> Flames of Equestria
>  by Mick0339
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue - The Anger Swells. 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It is never so much that Aldon has hated fighting, but his life has revolved around it, and pummeling villains in rage, and burning wrong-doers, or at least to him, in flames to a crunchy crisp, has put a toll on him, but never the less, for the sake of the one he has found fond, he will fight on further. Outside of the capital: Tristain. 

The only people with him are of course, Heather, the blonde healing warrior, Serven the vengeful dwarf, Lily the banished queen, Escelva the elite master of magical arts, and the two elf siblings, who Serven still despises to this day.  On the outskirts of the city, Aldon viewed ahead to see the things he despises: the vampires. He had gotten close to close with them on more than one occasion, but what they do to people, just for fun made Aldon's blood boil. As such, he released his seal on his inner demon. 

"So, you wish to summon up the power granted to you again?"

"Yes." Aldon had a true rivalry with the demon, but instead of a tense feud, it was now a fun game of shenanigans between them, as Aldon finally understood it's purpose for him. 

"To banish out the ones who pose a threat to the almighty Counter-weight of Divinity, I cast the power on you." Aldon had gotten used to that saying of words, but it still got to him: his purpose in the world. Although, Aldon could tell, the demon hated saying the same monotonous saying to give his power, but after, after is where the fun began for the demon. "My power is yours once again. Please though," the demon lightly chuckled in it's infinite darkness, "Don't leave a drop. I've been excited for more to work with." 

"Thank you, but you need to stop with the lustful thinking. We have plenty enough anyway." But yet again, the vampires deserved nothing but justice for what they have done to the country. Turning into a slave empire, using the people as caddle, and worst of all, resorting to killing children to keep the people in line. 

Everyone had figured out after Aldon had, that his emotions are what fuel his power. The emotion of protection, of anger, of kindness, of rage. They all gave him unique qualities, but rage was perhaps the most powerful one of them all. It was unlimited power to tap into for Aldon. Anger and rage is what he felt towards the ones facing him, yielding their fangs and hissing with glee. 

"Shall we deal with them togeth--" Lily, with her battle-hardened voice, was stopped dead in her track by the magical pressure. She knew what it was, and just for confirmation, Aldon's hand was in a fist and uncontrollably shaking. "Everyone, back up!" 

Aldon let out a mighty roar, as his hand lit up in blood red fire. He didn't wish for his friends to see the other side of him, but he also couldn't let those vampires get away without being pounded to a pulp, so he settled with doing it in his own fists. 

Lily's little brother laughed, with his black hair waving in the air, "So, the beast reveals his true colors." 

"I--" Aldon said as he continued to build up anger. "I'll kill you!" 

The battle that ensued was one of the intense hatred. While the vampires lusted for food and sustenance, Aldon raged for destruction and death. The vampires horded the group, and while Aldon began to walk with a stride, the rest of the group began to fend off their own vampires. Serven activated his dwarvern rage, while Escelva readied her stance in full white attire. Lily held up her hands to provide support to her friends, and Heather unsheathed her sword with a smile. 

The hulking giant called Aldon continued to casually walk, with veins popping out at his anger. He called it calm anger. It was the combination of Anger's power and peace's precision. As a vampire came from his left, Aldon let rip a clothesline onto the vampire's neck, which dislodged the head, sending it rolling on the ground. With first blood drawn, the vampire horde swarmed him. 

Back in the fighting within the other group, Serven called out, "Hey guys! Where do you think the twins went?" 

"Who knows, they might've tried to infiltrate the city or get a vantage point for sniping magic," Escelva replied.

"Yeah, they're an odd bunch. They should be fine." Serven took Heather's reply and continued to bash Vampire's head's in with his hammers. Did he love those hammers, ever since he scavenged them, they've saved him on multiple occasions. His babies did their work well. He thought for a second as blood splattered, "I don't think I should be worried for them, but for what they might do--" 

He could see it. They were standing in between Aldon and Lily's brother, who was wickedly smiling. 

"Now, with the consent of the powers above, I may vanquish their failed experiment." Lily's brother laughed after saying this and nodded to the two twins. 

"What are you two doing?" Aldon looked down on the two twins concealed faces in their cloaks, "MOVE!" 

"I'm sorry, but they were never with you I'm afraid. Just as I follow divinity's orders, so too are they tasked." He waved them off and the twins followed suit on both sides. They charged up their magic and bombarded Aldon with double layered pure magical energy. Enough so to disintegrate most objects on contact. Aldon held out both hands and put up his flame shields to hold of the barrage.

"Stop it you two. What are you doing?" 

"We're doing as instructed. Removing the mistake divinity made." The male stated as the woman chuckled. Spider and Nettice, why didn't Aldon get it sooner. The perfect trappers a spider and it's net. Still, why did they have to betray him, just like everyone did. Soldeirs, family, even his damned father! They all did and another batch made him even more angry as his nostrils flared. 

Lily's brother would have none of it though as he smiled maliciously, "We must say good bye to the trouble maker. May your essence have peace." Aldon had no time to react as Lily's brother exploded the most magical energy he had ever felt in his face, and that's when everything went dark, with one last voice sounding out. The small, cute Lily, who Aldon had let down. "No---------oooo!" Her final word rang out in his head over and over again. 

He stared into the darkness, "Death is truly grim. Alone in darkness seems fitting for me though, I suppose. I couldn't even stop her enemy. Her smile and cute acts reminded him of Alice so much and she was taken away yet again. He wanted to get angry until it all fixed itself, but he knew that that rarely worked, especially when he was dead. 

"Death is a facade Aldon. Only the weak accept death. I may not be able to put you back on that battlefield, but you can still live a life. Help others to ensure no one has to go through horrors you have seen. A gift from me to you. Step through the door." The hulking demon stood over the recently appeared white slit in the darkness. 

Aldon hated that he couldn't help his friends and had to abandon everything, but facts are facts: he was gone from that world. At least he had a chance to live another life, perhaps this one can be peaceful. As he walked through the door, however he looked back to see all his friends in images flash away, until he took the final step into the void. 
> Chapter One- Flames In the Sky and Fire on the Ground, or So He Had Hoped. 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight, the lavender mare stared outside her window. Only if she could find a book worth researching, but sadly they were still on order. She had to admit that being a princess had it's perks, but time was something she could not triumph, so star gazing was the next best thing. She had to admit, Luna made the sky look so very beautiful. The moon was definitely the seller point. Twilight could never understand why no one ever appreciated it back then, it was gorgeous. A light breeze sent her hair tingling and she decided bed was a nice option to do as she would most likely have little by the end of the week. 

However, just as she was about to call for Spike and make sure he was in bed, a crash was heard above. She turned around to see the source, only to find the sky look as clear as well day. however, she could tell why, it was partially on fire. It was something she had never seen before. She quickly pulled out her notepad and began to sketch, only to find the spectacle over in such a hurry. 

"Twilight, did you call for me?" The young purple drake asked. 

"Oh, Spike, did you see the sky, it was marvelous. I wonder if it's happened before. Maybe I could get Luna's help to figure it out. I must know what caused it, when it'll happen again, how to replicate it, and everything in between. Oh, all the possibilities, " she said this with a grin Spike knew all too well. 

"No, Twilight I didn't but for your sake and mind wait till morning till you crack open more notes. And please wait till tomorrow to tell me, I'm way too tired as of right now." Twilight hated the dragon's lack of curiosity, but she had to admit it was late and yawns were barely missing her right now. So as to comply with he own body she followed en-suite with Spike and went to sleep, but not before a quick message was sent.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Princess, I've recently found a new phenomena. Fire crackled in the sky. I'm not sure as to what to think, but just in case no one saw, I wished to inform you as to make sure there is no unheard event that would transpire because of it. I hope this turns out to just be some natural phenomena that occurs over the Everfree, but just in case I am sending this as a warning just in case it turns out something could threaten Equestria again. 

Your faithful student, 
Twilight Sparkle 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Next Day-Everfree Forest
"It will definitely leave a mark," Aldon thought as he scoured the area he had landed in. A dense forest, with no clearing or end near. He had to land face-first into the dirt when he was transported here. Of course, this was better than death, but landing face first into dirt was never fun. And he also knew it was definitely at least a little bit of a drop until he had hit it. The headache and bruise was a clear sign of it. 

"Oh, this better not be some prank, where I'm the only sentient creature here!" Aldon yelled to, well himself. After a few minutes of deciding what to do, or how to even find moving life withing the forest or beyond, fire would solve it. He could try to find a way out of the forest, but that could take days with a forest as thick as this.  Fire was just simpler, and he doubted by the cleanliness of air, a forest fire would be the end of the world. He would wait for the locals to investigate and say it suddenly went ablaze. He smiled at his genius, until nature had a better idea, or at least one where she wouldn't suffer: walk out. A drop of rain dripped down Aldon's scarred. 

"Damn it, there goes that plan. Well at least he could hopefully keep himself warm." He summoned up fires in his right hand to check only to feel immense pain as he tried to keep a spark up. "What the--" He couldn't finish as he vomited blood. Collapsing to the ground, Aldon figured that magic wouldn't necessarily do him good here, or at least for now. As he held himself up in a dog-stance: with one arm and two legs, he heard the roars of the forest. A mighty one at that, and one he would not want to meet without his full power, as essentially he was just a man in the wilderness with beasts lurking. Even worse, he couldn't even seem to muster his own strength that well. He bones creaked and muscles croaked at every movement. Truly the transition to this world had taken a toll on Aldon. He had to get moving as he could hear the roar a little closer as it sounded off again, so with his own will he pushed himself up and began to walk. He just noticed his missing shirt and the fact his somewhat mid-condition shoes were gone, only to leave him with his pants on. It didn't bother him though as it appeared it was summer time due to the heat, but night time might be problematic, but not only with the cold, but predators. Aldon thought for a second, "Predators for sure. The cold never bothered me anyway, what do I care for it." 

He began to limp in the direction his instinct told him to go: away from the roar. "Ugh, this is going to be a long walk. His stomach grumbled in rage, "and I hope the locals have good food."
> Chapter Two- Locals? Huh.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"No!" Aldon yelled out as his last sliver of guidance, the mighty sun, vanished from vision. "Damn whatever god is up there. That was not funny." It was pitch dark now, no where for him to go, but continuing on his instincts, as yet the same roar sounded off, and it was significantly closer. Aldon still lacked any of his strength, with his own will keeping him moving, but he could still voice his complaints. "Into a new world, out with everything else I suppose. Must be no magic here or something?" Aldon pondered on that thought, but to be honest, his profession wasn't magical knowledge, but combat prowess. "Only if Escelva was here," he internally commented. "That thing is getting awfully close, and it's night time again. Or maybe it is. This forest is much more natural than any I've seen before, of course except for the haunted forests, but those are uh, well haunted." 

Actually, to Aldon, it felt significantly warmer than before. So, going with his next best judgement, night wasn't there, but tree tops and sun-blockers were. Still, they easily created artificial night. The hunter seemed to enjoy it too, as while Aldon was continuing his limp, the roar was even closer, but three distinct yelps and screams sounded out afterwords. To Aldon, they were pretty close, but the locals sounded a little young, perhaps their voices are naturally more adolescent? Or maybe more childish? Either way, Aldon could tell intelligent hollers for help, but from what was his question. 

Over the bushes, perhaps a few more feet past that: that's how close to sounded, and so against natural instinct, Aldon approached the conflict. "Not the best idea, considering my state, but maybe I can do something." Aldon knew it, he wouldn't be able to stop the beast in a fight, especially if the roar indicated anything, but he was hopeful. Of course, the next thing totally stumped him. The locals left transportation behind, and ran way on foot he supposed. Rather small and dinky for transportation, but he had to admit, they were cute little things. Dawws would erupt from his mouth, if not for the simple fact of what approached the small horses. 

"The play on words can be very real sometimes, but this may be a little over the top," Aldon commented to himself as he eyed the predators. Literal timber wolves. Wood was their skin, amber and sap were their blood, and a magical essence was their heart. Aldon suspected they were summoned from a source, but from who, nothing here had any indication of it. He could see the fear in the three little horses however. All huddled up against the side of a tree, with an orange tinted one bravely trying to push the predators back, but it appeared to lack any sufficient progress. 

In terms of size, the horses, were smaller than his waist, and so the first thought came up to be children. However, that also had complications, as how would baby horses be useful to carry anything, let alone have enough stamina to keep up pace with anything heavy to carry.  He was vexed to say the least, but he retrained his eyes on the approaching predators, only to hear that roar again. What happened next put him on the ropes of sanity, and questioned his own existence. The small horses smiled as a lion, with a scorpion tail and large, bat-style wings emerged from the brush. It got even more insane as the creature took a position between the timber wolves and horses. Perhaps the strangest though, was the rivalry the Alpha timber wolf had and this new creature. They stared each other down with itnense fury. 

With a shriek from the horses, which Aldon couldn't contemplate, a timber wolf launched itself at one of the horses. It wickedly smiled as he bared his teeth, but before his prey was within biting distance, The mutated lion clawed the timber wolf to a nearby tree, where it was utterly destroyed with bark and leaves as traces of it's previous existence. 

What came next put Aldon further into shock, the small white-colored-with-purple-mane horse thanked the mutated lion. She then proceeded to call it by such a demeaning name, "Snuggles!" The other two clamored with the previously attacked horse. The lion, instead of feeling anger, gave a smile, which was a scary though: a lion giving a smile. The alpha timber wolf, however had had enough from the mutated lion as, with even greater strength, and with his larger size, clawed the mutated lion. Then, when it fell down for the count, barraged it with further claws and wooden teeth. Plant-fangs dug deep, and bark cut deeper as the mutated lion cried out in pain, while the ponies cried for the alpha to stop. 

Eventually, after the mutated lion had passed out, the timber wolves began to surround the small horses. Aldon finally decided that he should just accept reality for now and contemplate what to do. Saving the horses could help him get good with the locals, whatever they are, but he could potentially die fighting against so many predators. However, seeing the defenseless horses being surrounded, with nothing to stop them from dying made Aldon angry. He clenched his fist in anger. He would die if he helped, and would be helpless if he did nothing. It made him angry that the first choice he got would make him a coward or dead. But the faces the small horses made: fear, was driving Aldon to the brink of rage. He had experienced first hand being helpless in a fight, and now he had to watch on as these creatures experienced the same thing. Their friend had been defeated, maybe even killed, but yet it did nothing. They would still die. That other creature perished for nothing: truly died in vain. 

"Please, somepony help." The yellow coat clamored out, while the three shook in fear and whimpered. The alpha wolf smiled, and Aldon could picture the words coming out of his mouth: I'm going to enjoy this. 

"Please!" The orange one said in a southern accent. "Somepony! Anypony HELP!"  

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie stood against death. It stared them in the eyes, and they wished it wouldn't, more than anything. On top of that, their friend, the manticore they had befriended was down and most likely mortally wounded, especially if they couldn't get it help. 

"Well girls, ah don't think anypony is coming. Shall we make final wishes?" 

"I wish I could've been more help to Rarity. I was always just her little sister, who couldn't help but just watch her do all the work and provide for so much." 

"I wish I had listened to Rainbow Dash. She always told me how cool I was, and that my cutie mark would display that, but yet again I had to go looking for one. She always told me to stop the shenanigans, but I wouldn't listen." 

"I forgot ta' buck an apple tree yesterday. Applejack is gonna' kill me." The other two turned and quizzically looked at their friend. Applebloom gave them a "what?" expression, to which they simply shook their head and resumed their scared hysteria. 

However, just as they were about to pounce, the wolves heard something rustle in the bushes. The girls noticed this and turned their attention to the noise. That's when a bizarre sight emerged. A hairless ape, with endless scars, muscle and a huge imposing figure daunted out. It held a neutral expression as it eyed the wolves, with the predators looking at the strange creature in return.  A wolf turned his gaze away and tried to lunge at Sweetie Belle once more, until the creature had come to her rescue, slamming his fist into the timber wolf. Sweetie had gotten a better look at him by then. Hairless, wearing battle-style pants, a black mane, an imposing figure. He stood much taller than Celestia, including her horn, and to top it off he looked like the strongest creature she had ever seen. She said a 'he' due to his grunting and rather imposing figure and masculine features. 

He grunted rather heavily and vomited more blood as he saw the timber wolf slam against the tree and break up. The alpha found this action aggressive and lunged at the man. The girls shrieked at both the blood and lunging. However, the creature screamed in rage as the wolf lunged and they felt amazed as the wolf was stopped dead in it's tracks. Instead of scoring a hit, the wolf had gotten kneed in the chin and sent sprawling back. However more blood leaked from the creature, while cuts were formed from the wolfs claws. On top of this, the creature took a knee and panted in exhaustion, but that was until he turned around to look directly at the small horses: blue eyes and anger are what they saw. He saw their whimpering and understood completely, but this only seemed to make the creature angrier. The three could tell it was angry, but it seemed they had something to do with provoking it further. A rage is what they saw next, as he stood up and attacked the nearest wolf with barred fists and popped veins. The veins had indeed popped out and showed red hot blood coursing through them. The blood leaking to the ground indeed sizzled when it landed. But the creature simply roared in anger again and attacked. 

The girls, while regretting doing it, fled with the fight continuing. They had left behind the wounded snuggles, but they knew that if they didn't run they would die. Either from the wolves or that creature. They ran as fast as they could, crying along the way for their loss of Snuggles, but they knew he would want them to escape. One last roar from the creature was heard. And a loud sickening crack of bark echoed through the woods. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Aldon had not realized it ,but the rage had completely taken him over, and he was indeed punching destroyed bark over and over again. He lied down to rest, only to find that his rage-induced state was what kept the pain away. Bark and leaves surrounded him for what looked like most of his vision, until he saw the mutated lion. He knew now, that the locals, or at least intelligent life were those small horses. They talked and even showed care and sympathy for the fallen lion. They had known it, perhaps a pet. Or maybe just a befriended creature. Either way, he couldn't let it just lie there, it was indeed dying, but he knew nothing about it's anatomy and how to help it, so he did the next best thing. Or at least would, as he slowly limped over to it and eyed it down. He slowly hoisted it over his back, only to find his weight at least doubled, and his legs shaking from weakness, exhaustion and the previous battle. Blood leaked down him, but Aldon had to get moving or the tracks of the horses would fade. He followed them until the sun peaked over the trees more clearly. Frantic crying was heard as he could see the three hysterically talking to another small horse, slightly larger than them, but with fully developed wings. 

They were crying for 'Snuggles,' as they told of the story. The third pink-maned horse, or more like pegasus seemed to grow immensely sad and began to cry as well. Aldon could see that perhaps, like the cottage suggested, it was a close friend like most of the animals surrounding it, so with good intentions Aldon continued on until he had crossed the bridge and approached behind the crying group. Their tears had echoed to the ground, until they heard a faint noise. Aldon had quickly laid the mutated lion down, then clamored for relative cover, to see what would happen. He had been alive long enough to know peace is something that rarely exists, and so a kind deed may be repaid with a stab in the back. 

It wouldn't surprise it if colorful horses, and pegasi would do just that. So instead he ventured to watch and observe, but he failed to realize the trail of blood he left and intense breathing and exhaustion he had. So as he watched them cheer and continue crying tears of joy, he noticed the blood and realized he would be found out. Well unless they were stupid, but he knew they were intelligent. 

"What happened? He was just in the forest. How did he---" Sweetie Belle realized that there was a trail of blood following behind Snuggles. 

Aldon eased his eyes around the tree he was hiding behind to see the pegasus trying to wake up the mutated lion, while the smaller horses seemed to gaze upon the trail. Unfortunately they soon found Aldon's gaze and freaked out. Luckily however, Aldon managed to scrape his way off the tree and go into a brisk jog, before they found his last location. The three horses gave out gasps at the puddle he had left, but instead of following gave up and returned to their injured friend. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo looked upon a puddle of blood and the continued light trail of blood going back into the forest and while they wanted to the creature again, they advised against it due to the latest string of events. 

They returned to Fluttershy as she was asking her critters to bring her medical supplies in the form of a first aid kit. The CMC knew Fluttershy loved Snuggles, just as much as they did, especially due the fact she found it and originally helped the manticore when it was barely alive. Since then, she named him snuggles and allowed for him to visit her whenever he would like, and explicitly instructed him to be careful and not injure anypony. He followed the latter to the T, but unfortunately a predator could always get hurt due to it's prey being sneaky. 

"Sweetie, do you see any wounds on his tail?" Fluttershy asked in calm tone as her critters gathered around. 

"No, it looks fine, but his side right here is seriously hurting for him." As she moved her hoof to touch it, the hairs around the wound on his side exasperated in pain and snuggles squealed out in tune. "I'm so sorry." 

"Ya should really let im' be Sweetie." 

"It's alright, he says, everyone makes mistakes." Fluttershy seemingly translated, the rough translation. 

Eventually after some time, Fluttershy asked for the full story, and after explaining their whole events, of trying to get marks in forest exploration, they told her of their near fate encounter, Snuggles intervention and the creatures reveal. Fluttershy was then shown the trail of blood, from which she shrieked from. "I hope it's alright. The thing must be scared straight. I don't think it's ever lost this much blood." 

"Uh Fluttershy, the thing seemed to not be scared at all. In fact, he seemed ta' be angry. Veray' angry to be exact." Applebloom's accent mimicked Applejack pretty well at that moment. 

"Yeah, he was an odd thing to say the least, he wore pants that Rarity would berate, so he might've been a tamed animal. He also seemed to have, a lot of scars." Sweetie seemed to seriously skive out after she said it, with intense shivers. 

Everyone seemed to pause for a second until Fluttershy emerged in an angered state, "How could anyone abuse an animal!" 

"Yeah, there was a lot of em.' I think that's why it's always so angry. He must've just escaped his owner and got injured, cause he was vomiting blood before he brought Snuggles here." 

"He must be angry, if he was abused as much as you say." Fluttershy pondered on something after this. "We should organize a search for it tomorrow. A hairless ape you said?" 

The CMC all nodded in unison. "Yeah, with a dark-black mane on it's head," Scootaloo added.

"I can take care of Snuggles for now, you better get home." Fluttershy had a neutral expression, "Ill make that owner pay, that pony won't know what hit him when I'm done with him." 

All three of the crusaders didn't know what to say, Fluttershy usually was very passive, but this side of her said the opposite. They knew she loved animals, and injustice to them was a crime above murder to her, but still it was rare they ever saw her more aggressive side. After they had left Fluttershy's and said good bye to Snuggles, they went back to ponyville to rest, recuperate and discuss what to do with the new hairless ape. 

Slowly Fluttershy could hear out on the distance, "We can get our marks in 'New Creature Exploration!'" Fluttershy sighed, and continued to watch over snuggles, as he was brought into her cottage, with all of the critters' help. 
> Chapter 3- A Spark Starts The Inferno. A Lack of Air Extinguishes It. 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	He limped, as much as he could until he had found salvation. A river to heal. He estimated he had lost almost a quarter of his blood based on his lack of mobility, and dizziness in his eyes. The horses didn't follow him luckily, but they all appeared to be so small for horses, until he realized it. "Really? Ponies..." Then he pondered more, "Colorful, intelligent, talking ponies, who most likely built a society. Hmm, very strange, to bad Daemos can't talk to me right now!" Aldon called out loudly to attempt to bait the demon into revealing himself and explain what was going on, but he was a no show. Very strange considering his recent antics. Something was very wrong. His magic was so weak and damaged him whenever he tried to use it, and on top of that he was now injured and without Daemos to assist in the healing process. 

"Water is water though, might as well use it to help clean off the blood and disinfect." He aggravatingly clenched his fist, "what am I going to do?" He paused and continued, "I don't know if I can trust them, but living out in the forest forever would be so lonely and could possibly drive me insane, yet I could have a good chance of not dying again. "This is going to be a long few days I have a feeling." He said this as he slowly lowered his body into the moving river to dry off and float down it. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, in Ponyville- 

Twilight squeled at the information. "A new species, in the Everfree, let's go!" the rest of the group however held her back as she tried to leave the castle. 

"Twilight, ah know ya' want to go, but ya' need to understand, the Everfree is dangerous, especially without a full party to accompany you." Applejack knew her friend's lust for knowledge, but going into the Everfree without a relative plan and plenty of protection was pretty much suicide. 

"Well, I can take anything that tries to get us in that forest." Rainbow Dash practiced her karate moves, while hoof pumping in the air. Of course everyone but Fluttershy seemed to facepalm while Rainbow Dash simply asked, "What?" 

Everyone had however noticed Fluttershy and Rarity was the one to speak up, "What's the matter dear, are your critters lgiht on clothing, or perhaps your wardrobe needs updating, or.." 

Fluttershy shook her head at each response and sighed, "The crusaders told me what it looked like. A hairless ape. They said it was extremely wounded and had scars plastered all over it. I just can't believe someone would abuse an animal like that. They said they looked just like whip marks." 

Everyone paused and took a stance on it. Pinkie simply smiled in a nonchalant manner and suggested finding it and giving it a welcome to Ponyville party. Or perhaps a welcome to the world party. Always the parties, from which everyone simply sighed, while Pinkie continued to smile, but sheepishly after the fact. 

"So what are we going to do exactly; i mean we need to stop the dear from continuing to wear dreadful clothing. Sweetie told me that it wore torn up combat pants, and were simply horrible." 

"No, we should find it before it hurts anypony. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are already on their way to discuss this matter as well as the 'fire in the sky.' However, I think the two are connected somehow." Twilight's calm input gave everyone a ponder. Except for Pinkie who was still discussing party plans. 

"So this 'fire in the sky,' what did Princess Celestia say about it?" Rarity's question went heard for sure as Twilight shook her head.

"She told me it could give relevance to a string of events that could change Equestria forever, or it could be an undocumented phenomena. And if what the Cutie Mark crusaders said is true, this 'ape' could possibly be out for revenge for wrong-doings done to it. And to defeat timber wolves with severe injuries raises multiple alarming bells." She paused to say another thing that would raise further questions, "and Sweetie Belle told me of how it looked at her, with curiosity and neutral emotion, yet it helped them to escape the forest. I don't know about you ponies, but to me I think it's definitely intelligent. A simple beast wouldn't help out of no where, or have curiosity peaking inside of it."

Fluttershy shook her head in question, "but then why did it run away? I would think it would know we were friendly. I truly wished to help it after seeing such an amount of blood. It leaked out in a pure line in the bushes when I saw it." 

"It probably doesn't trust anything right now, and we don't know if it was abused by ponies at all, it could of been another species." 

Fluttershy pondered on that and realized that Twilight's statement gave her past commitment of blaming ponies no true value. Twilight continued, "either way, we should try to find it, just to make sure that it won't try to hurt anypony. Something that could kill an Alpha and carry a manticore is something scary on its own." 

"So is that why the princesses are coming?" rainbow Dash asked. 

"Yes with full guard formations. Both Solar and Lunar guards." The group seemed wide eyed at this, why so many troops? "I know, but considering the fact that we'll be venturing into the Everfree, and that it could be dangerous, the princesses opted for the better approach of more protection." 

After more minutes of discussing and Pinkie playing, but still somehow listening, Carriages landed outside of the Friendship Castle of crystal, and out of them came several guards and the two princesses. After introductinos and calm sentiments and explanations, the group srt out for the Everfree to apprehend the creature as to learn it's reason for revealing itself. 

The CMC however charged in the way of the formation leaving town to push out their feelings on the subject. All three of them seemingly spoke simultaneously, " Why are you guys bringing so many troops." They gasped at realization, "you're not going to kill it are you? It did nothing wrong; it even saved us and Snuggles." 

Celestia looked at the small ponies and spoke with elegance and authority, but with calm grace as well, "it's alright my litte ponies. The creature will not be harmed. We just need to inspect it and make sure no wrong doings have been done to a new species in Equestria."

"On top of that, the forest of Everfree is not the safest of places. Thy wished for more protection against foul beasts." Luna said this in addition, to which the crusaders nodded their head, if with a little hesitation. 

Before they could even ask, Applejack, and Rarity both said no, to which Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash. Peer pressure pounded in and she inadvertently said no as well. "But why?" Scootaloo asked Rainbow Dash, whilst the other two skulked around and headed back home, for their grounding punishments that were just handed out to them, Rainbow Dash told Scootaloo that 'peer pressure' is annoying, but it was dangerous for her to venture into the forest. 

"I know but," Scootaloo couldn't finish as Rainbow Dash talked over her. 

"Look, I know you may think I can be awesome all the time and save you, but the Everfree is one place that you should know I personally don't go for a fight--usually." 

Scootaloo understood, but still had a sad face, from which she also sulked away with Applebloom and Sweetie. Of course, while Rainbow felt kind of bad, the other two knew they had to say that and felt no guilt or regret. "Ok, now that that is taken care of, do we wish to set off?" Everyone nodded at Celestia's question and the group ventured closer to the Everfree, only to hear shrieks and multiple ponies running out of the brush in a fright.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Aldon knew he had heard something. He managed to venture far enough to see a clearing in the forest, but such clearing was nothing but a campsite, until Aldon realized ti was a campsite. Sadly the previously pony occupied site was abandoned, but they had definitely left in a hurry, which granted Aldon provisions of food and containers. Oddly enough some of the containers were shaped for humans to use, while ponies definitely were the ones to carry them. 

Sadly though, Aldon had figured out why there was an abandoned camp site as another one of the mutated lions roamed around the outskirts of it, while simply giving Aldon a quick glare and walking away. "These ponies are very strange, but why would they camp in the woods of all things? This isn't exactly the safest place." He asked himself this, until he had approached a very saddening scene. Two ponies lied injured, and possibly dying. One was charcoal black, with a white mane, while the other was a gold with a luscious blue mane. The charcoal seemed to be male, while the gold seemed to be female. The female, by the looks of it, eyed Aldon with fear in her eyes , until he calmed her and spoke, which for an odd reason gave the calming effect he had hoped for. "Shh, it's alright. Which way is your town?" 

While she was calmer, she still held fear, as she had no idea what Aldon wanted with them. Aldon however observed the scene more. Tents were strewn and destroyed, a makeshift grill was thrown over, while fire logs were thrown about. He looekd down at the two sprawled out, until he realized they were a couple. The male pony, had much worse injuries than the female, and on top of that, she seemed to look over at him, only to have a tear roll down her eyes. "Is he..." she sniffled. 

Aldon instinctively went down to feel for a pulse,. There was definitely a pulse, but to be sure, he listened for a beat. "He is alive, but I don't know for how much longer. His heart is faint, and he might die without medical care." 

She nodded and looked at Aldon only to see the scars and slightly hesitate her eyes, but mustered up the courage and told him, "Town is uh," She rolled over and pointed to the left of Aldon, towards the cottage, "that way." 

Aldon nodded as he slowly eased the male over his neck and his back, nestling him on his left shoulder and letting him hand there. He secured him down with his left arm, while Aldon pulled over the female on his right shoulder, in the same direction and fasion, facing backwards. "Try to relax, I'll get you guys there as quickly as I can." The female nodded.

"Thank you. You--can--call me--Caring Heart." Aldon nodded while quizzically at the odd name, until he discovered that she had dozed off and he continued on. Eventually finding a path to lead out of the forest. Of course, he wished to simply drop off the two, but what came next is not what he had planned for. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The ponies could not calm down; they were hysterical. They kept crying for two of their own most likely being killed. 'Caring Heart,' and 'Hard Hat.' They had recently been engaged and were on their way to set up new business opportunities in Ponyville. When suddenly, at the break of dawn a monster attacked them. In such a frantic escape they couldn't see it at all, but knew from the screams of Hard Hat, that the two were gone. 

A mix of colors, names, manes, and types were the pony group, but either way Celestia and Luna were stricken with sadness that two fellow ponies were killed. 

"What shall we do Sister?" 

"Well, Luna, I think we should at least retrieve the bodies and prepare burial." She slammed her hoof down, "damn forest kills everypony." 

The guards simply stood at attention, with some trying to calm down the frantic ponies. However everyone stopped to look at the brush of the forest when rustling was heard. 

"It's coming to finish the job! Everypony run!" Without hesitation, everypony of the group ran towards ponyville in complete fear. Celestia, Luna, the Mane Six, and the guards stood at attention for the coming animal. However everyone had a look of slight anger on them. Even Fluttershy was mad, which if not for the situation, many would find odd. 

That was until Aldon stepped through the brush, with two ponies slung over his shoulders, definitely matching the description. 

"You!" Luna yelled, "You hurt our subjects!" 

"No, no, no." Aldon tried to defuse the situation, but realized he had two unconcious ponies slung over his shoulders. "I can explain." 

"Explain how you have my little ponies slung over your shoulder. Most likely bringing them to your lair to eat them." Celestia, Luna and the guards all held aggressive stances, with the two princesses upping the magic, and sending aura around their horns. 

Aldon sighed and slowly began walking to the side, towards a few guards, to which they somehow managed to point spears using their mouths, or suprisingly to Aldon, magical aura, and slowly put down both of the ponies. One guard tried to jab at Aldon with the spear at him, to which he turned in anger and with his bare right hand broke the tip off of the spear. He then, to let out steam chucked it as far as he could into the forest, letting the artificial wind pick up with his throw. 

The guard stood fearful and slowly pissed to the ground, but Aldon held his anger firm. "So, you wish to start confrontation?" 

The two princesses were thrown off by it, until a hostile stance was taken, fists up, and legs planted on the ground adamantly. "You will come with us and answer for the crimes you are suspected of." 

Aldon still held his stance, but with apprehension as his body was still relatively weak. While he was able to snap the spear, it took a lot out of him: it was simply a scare tactic, but it had no effect. He couldn't let the ponies know this, or he would lose before it even started. He still wished to avoid this as first contact, but it looked like no choice. He had been wrongly accused in the past: tortured, whipped, even put into slavery, on a whim of the nobility and upper class. When he would pick up a woman's bag if it fell and try to give it back, he would be beaten; when he would walk in front of nobility, he would be put on trial, and sentenced to prison or torture. They would smile at his suffering. But, his child self was long gone, now he had the power to stop that, and again he was accused, but this time he would fight back. 

"I did not harm any of the ponies," Aldon calmly, yet with anger in his tone said. 

"If thou did not hurt them, then why don't thou surrender peacefully and come with us? You only point out your guilt with aggression." Luna and Celestia readied at his next words. 

"I will not be accused of wrong doings anymore." Fluttershy now understood. She wished to stop this, but battle was already going to start. 

With the next words battle began, "if you will not come with us quietly, we will need to use force." Treated like some criminal, or an animal. Given no chance to react, Aldon was hit with a barrage of magic from the Two princesses. The mane six gasped, and Fluttershy was taken back. He may not surrender, but so much force could kill him. 

Aldon took the brunt of it. It was powerful and even slightly burned his skin, but he would not surrender until he had to; perhaps if he could fight long enough he could tire the two out and escape. His enemies were two larger ponies. Almost the size of a horse, but both were a mixture of pegasus and unicorn. And in fact there was a similar mixture of a pony behind them, but this one didn't hold as much leadership authority and elegance to their stances. Aldon was a little apprehensive with hurting females, as he could tell by the feminine voices and features they were so, however with that attack, he knew they could most likely hold up. Aldon slowly let the dust settle from their attack and with a shadow dwarfing the ponies, emerged from it. However, they couldn't tell he was exhausted, and also running out of time before he hit him. 

Aldon took position as guards surrounded him, and with his own weight, plowed through their spears and bodies, taking a few stabs as he did so, until he reached the two princesses. With held back power behind each fist, he directed punches at the two princesses simultaneously. That was until he figured out, their magic was more than it seemed as his hands were engulfed in it. Before he could reach their muzzles, they stopped and were forced back. That was until, with a powerful kick, Luna sent Aldon flying back into a tree trunk. 

With not nearly enough recovery time, the trip's after effects sprawled up again and blood poured out of his mouth, weakening his body even further. His breathing became erratic, and the princesses knew he was on the ropes. "Stay down, animal, for if thou don't, we shall exercise even more punishment." Luna's words struck true as his face contorted into more anger. But he realized just as he had stood up it was a ploy. Yet, even with some anger to fuel the fire, it was still so weak. He knelt and placed a fist on the ground to steady himself as he breathed heavily. 

Something was preventing his power from emerging: his magic from coming out, but he didn't know what. The first time he had gotten his magic, he didn't know what gave it to him. The guards surrounded Aldon and pointed their spears at him. "Give up animal."

"You have lost. The princesses are too powerful for you." 

The ponies were a majority male, but to Aldon's surprise a lot were also female. And to a second recount, even more seemed female than male. However their message was clear, yet he didn't want to. He wasn't done yet and he slowly gathered strength and with a fell swoop, sent the ponies flying with the raising of his body and contact with the spears. However, more cuts and stabs were inflicted on him in the process. His pants were even more shredded, and his naked upper body was shown to have multiple cuts and punctures, slowly leaking blood. 

Before he could act, more magic was flung at him, but this time only by Luna, who seemed keen to face Aldon alone. Celestia didn't seem to mind at all. However the guards were also on Luna's side in the fight as they slowly regained their posture as Aldon received the magic hit. However as he took the hit, he noticed all of the other 6 ponies looks. They were mixed, of curiosity, apprehension, anger, and even one had a caring look in her eye, but towards himself? 

Fluttershy was indeed caring, and was saddened to see the hairless ape suffer so much. She wanted to stop it so much, but her fear and shyness of interfering was causing her to stand firm on her hoofs. 

While it wasn't proven, Luna seemed sure it was Aldon as she shouted, "if thou doesn't wish to come with us, we shall pass judgement now." 

The guards braced their spears as Aldon began to quickly scatter up and charge for Luna. She was indeed vulnerable while she was charging her magic, but before any further fighting could ensue, a yellow mare, with a pink mane interfered. Fluttershy had indeed stood between the two and stood adamantly to stop it. That is when in a brief second. 

"Please stop this. Look at him, haven't you done enough. Stop harming hi---" What came next reminded how Aldon got his power. 

A spear lodged itself into Fluttershy's underside as she stood up to try and exact her protectionist means. Her speech was cut short and everyone gave gasps as she fell down, breathing raggedly. Aldon had plastered over eyes as he saw the spear lodged into her. "She was just..." 

All of her friends ran to her side, giving different looks at Aldon's face as he stared at the mare, who wished for his safety. A kind deed he was rarely given, and yet she was on the brink of death because of it. 

"Fluttershy!" All of them screamed as she looked to her friends in idel conciousness.

"No, no, no. Please no." Twilight begged her friend as tears swelled up. The spear had indeed came from an ignorant guard. However Aldon didn't know who it was, only that someone trying to help him was practically dead besides him. Celestia slowly approached with a mix of emotions: anger at the thrower, sadness for Fluttershy, and curioisity at Aldon's face and another presence of magic. 

"Twilight, please, you and the rest of the elemnts tend to Fluttershy. Rush her to the hospital. We shall deal with him, and the guard responsible." Celestia's words struck true as Applejack hoisted the injured Fluttershy over her back, sadly with the spear still lodged. They all ran towards Ponyville, leaving the others behind, to get their friend to the hospital as quickly as possible. 

Celestia was a mere foot away from Aldon, as she looked him over, while the guard who threw the spear was apprehended by his peers, with a sorry and guilt ridden face on him. A tear fell off of his face, and Celestia saw this, "please, stop this and come with us now." 

"She--she helped me, and what did she get?" Celestia painfully took in Aldon's words. "You hurt your own; when ALL! SHE! WAS! TRYING! TO! DO! WAS STOP THE FIGHTING!" 

Rage Ensued

Rage is what Aldon felt. He felt the fire spark back into him in full force. His wounds camoured and sparked into fury. Blood dripping to the floor sizzled as the rest of the guards took defensive stances, and Celestia tried one last itme. "Please, don't cont..." 

"You hurt an innocent without second thought. She was trying to help and she was repaid with a betrayal and a spear in the gut!" Everyone saw the new side of him as flames erupted around him and Celestia jumped back. 

"I'll make you all pay!" He smashed his fist into the ground creating an earthquake and cracks in the crust. A pond would form where his fist impacted, given some time. However flames evaporated everything within a foot of contact. 

His veins popped out, and fire engulfed him as rage consumed Aldon. His sanity was slowly losing to the madness of anger multiplied. The guards started to inch in as he slowly began to scream into the sky, with a darker, raspier, and more demonic voice. 

"Stay back. He is in a state of rage. He most likely can't control his actions." The guards, both solar and lunar heeded Celestia's words and stepped back. 

"We need to stop him, before he grows out of control." Luna nodded and both of them lit up their horns. 

"We shall use all of our power. Sister, you need to do so as well." Celestia nodded and with a singular push the magic intertwined and a beam of blended aura struck the fire, only to slowly be dissolved as it pierced. 

"I'll, stop all of this violence. The fire shall consume all and rebirth them in tranquility. Tranquility of death." The magic couldn't pierce the fire, startling and scaring both Luna and Celestia. The fire was literally a dense object, able to repel powerful magical and physical attacks, as flying spears melted and even evaporated before their eyes. 

He slowly began to approach the two, until without warning, everything died out and he collapsed to the floor, unconscious and blood leaking. They knew what had happened, his loss of blood had rendered him useless. He was heavily injured, but the two now saw his body brimming with magical power. But they magic was definitely different than theirs, more refined, more dense, and more powerful to be sure.

Medical attention was needed for the creature as the guards; Luna, and Celestia reorganized their composure and overlooked the situation. "Guards! Take the creature to the ponyville hospital and make sure he doesn't do anything. As for the guard, he'll be punished for attempted murder." 

With Luna's second input, the guards got to it, and both of them sighed, while Celestia spoke, "Sister, I don't even think Tirek could've taken that things magic." 

"It's otherworldly sister, and I believe now the 'fire in the sky' has been answered." Both of them understood this. A message, but was it good or bad; that would be figured out soon. 
> Chapter 4- With Power Comes Responsibility
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The pain: utterly unbearable. His body creaked at every single movement, and his eyes wouldn't dare open. His ears were stuffed, and muffles were heard. Similar ones as the princesses were discussing. Was he being tortured, subjected to trials, tests perhaps? Aldon had no idea, except the fact that he had gained back his power, albeit in a more harmful way than he had hoped. 

"This is magic we've never seen before Princesses." The nurse in usual garb, who was a chocolate mare with a golden mane, said cautiously. 

The princesses looked on in curiosity at the immense hairless ape. They were in the Ponyville hospital, yet there was no coverage of the next calamity right outside of the town. No coverage of the near-death experience the Princesses had. No one knew what had happened, and the hospital faculty just knew it was a creature they had discovered unconscious outside of the Everfree. However the Princesses knew the man's power. No such animal could possess it, and they knew it well, yet he was completely mortal and vulnerable, but when Fluttershy was struck everything changed. The glint in his eyes, glazed over with autonomous destructive rage, and unending anger and malice. 

"We wish you to leave us Ms--" 

"Oh, uh just call me Cocoa Bean, I just started working here." The two princesses nodded, while Luna acknowledged her name and restated her previous line. 

"Yes, Ms. Bean, please leave us." Cocoa bean nodded and exited the room. They were left alone, with a powerful creature, although injured beyond functino at the moment. They overlooked him and engaged in intense conversation. 

"Sister, that was the closest I ever felt to Death, and I had Nightmare Moon encompass me. The sign in the sky, a few days ago, is it for good or bad?" 

Celestia felt nervous at telling her sister, because in all honesty, Celestia had no idea. What could allow anything to garner so much power, yet have it so hidden until now? "I don't know Luna. Nothing even comes to mind. In the last 1000 years nothing has occurred similar to this." 

They would need to wait until further information popped up, but looking at his form, they noticed the numerous scars and deformations on the skin, both from the previous battle and before. "The story is on his skin. His tale of his life is impeded on his body." They have seen misfortune, even in their own country, yet the princesses had never seen so much on any being before. 

While intimidating standing, Aldon was simply an object when asleep. Of course he was alive, but no emotion would stem from looking at him while asleep. Celestia slowly moved over to Aldon and felt his skin, only to wide eye. "It's extremely warm, like he might have a fever, and--" as she moved closer to his heart's location, the temperature on her hoof only increased, until it was almost unbearable to keep it on." 

Luna looked to Celestia, "What is it Sister, do you think it has a cold?" Celestia shook her head.

"No, I believe just as how he has fire as his power, it embodies him." 

His eyes opened, to reveal the two princesses staring at him, slightly making him gasp and shudder in fear, until he realized where he was: a hospital. "I'm not dead?" His voice was so heavy, marbles seemed to vibrate at each syllable, until Luna seemingly hovered a glass of water over to him. Quickly gulping it down, Aldon seemingly had a rejuvinated voice, "So, where am I?" 

"Ponyville's hospital. you were actually on the verge of death before we brought you here." Of course to Celestia's shock, he simply shrugged his shoulders. 

"Why would thou think so little of his life? We would expect you to care mroe, considering your last bout with us." Luna's words struck a bullet in Aldon's head, as the information flooded back. The images of him looming over the two, before he seemingly collapsed from exhaustion, dehydration, lack of nourishment, and lack of sleep. 

He knew what had happened. Rage took control, and granted him his power back. Of course, while he was happy to have it back for protectino purposes, the mere fact he wasn't dead sent questinos floating around. "Why am I not dead?" 

"What do you mean? Surely you don't think we would kill you?" Aldon simply stared at Celestia, as Luna held her jaw down.

"You think that my Sister and I would kill you?" Aldon continued to stare and seemingly ponder. "What makes thou think such a thing?" 

"Well, considering the fact of the treatment of 'act first, questions later,' and of how you..." He paused as realization hit, "where is that pony?" 

The princesses were confused, until Celestia figured out his actual question. "Fluttershy is completely well, and shall make a full recovery, that guard however, will need to think of a new set of work to delve into."

"Yes, we can't beleive of how he rashly acted, disregarding safety." Aldon felt relieved however as he smiled, but this only scared the ponies more as they shuddered. 

Aldon noticed as asked in curiosity, "What's the matter?" 

"Your teeth!" They both said in unison. 

"Oh, well I'm an omnivore, so I can eat both, but--ooooh, I see now. Well you have nohing to worry about, I won't be eating you guys." He narrowed his eyes for a few seconds, "that is, if you don't try to execute me." 

"We explained before, we just had a few questions to ask you--" Before Celestia could finish her sentence, another pony barged in, with a notepad ready and waiting. 

"Hello Princess Luna, Princess Celestia. Do you guys mind if I ask him some questions?" They both knew Twilight's curiosity, but the timing was simply more than coincidence, until they noticed her grin. She had planned it. 

They both sighed and answered, "We were just about to start." 

Aldon shook his head as they both looked confused at his action, "I will answer your questions, if you can answer some of mine." 

"Alright, that seems fair," Celestia responded. 

A guard, immediately after, barged into the room, "Princesses, your attention is needed at Canterlot; the nobles are complaining again, and threatening secession." 

"Common routine I suppose?" Aldon asked. 

"Yes." Celstia sighed, "nobility are always a problem." Aldon laughed to this and watched as they were escorted out, but after whispering to Twilight. 

"So first, what's your name?" Twilight asked. 

"Aldon." And while, he kenw what was omming next, he couldn't stop it. 

"Well, what about your last name?" 

"I uhh---I don't think I have one." Twilgiht was completely confused. 

"You don't have one? Haven't you ever had a family?" Aldon sighed. 

"I used to, but they weren't my birth parents. I don't even remember my blood-family." Twilight knew her mistake and tried to repair it. 

"Alright, Aldon it is then." 

"Ok, my turn, what is your name?" He smiled also revealing his teeth, to which Twilight scribbled down. 

"Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship, and Faithful student of Princess Celestia." 

Before Aldon could ask anything else, Twilgiht asked away, "What exactly are you?" 

"Wait, you don't have humans here?" 

Twilight shook her head, until she chuckled, "there are ponies who believe in a race similar to your appearance, but so far they're only myths and legends." 

"Guess they were right. So you're a human huh?" She paused, "much bigger than I expected."

"No, actually I'm much bigger than the average, and well, I don't exactly know why either." 

"Ok, now me. So what are you? You look like a mix of both a pegasus, and a unicorn? Is that because of breeding or?" 

Twilight shook her head, "No, I'm an Alicorn, which is essentially a mix, but you can only become one for your deeds or royal blood." 

"So you are a princess then?" 

"Well of course, I just told you before I was." 

"Ok, I think this is the last one I need for now." She paused for emphasis, "what are you good at?" 

Aldon was ocnfused, "what do you mean." 

"I mean, what job would you be good at?" 

"I guess a guard would be good. I mean, I don't know much else besides fighting and protecting." Twilight nodded. 

"Alright. I think I can help you with that, once you recover." Aldon was confused, he was already getting a job? This quickly. He didn't even see the town, or meet it's locals, or anything. "The princesses told me to ask you, and help you get settled. 

"Wait, are you sure?" 

"I can tell other worldy, and from the Princesses telling me, you're probably it. Am I wrong?" Aldon shook his head. "Good." 

Just then, the recently closed door re-opened to reveal 4 other ponies, also female, and also at his fight. He inwardly sighed: it always gets better. "Hello girls. I just finished asking him some questions." Twilight turned to Aldon, "Aldon, these ponies are my friends, including Fluttershy, the pony who tried to stop the fighting. This is Rarity," Rarity waved. "Applejack," similarly a wave occurred, "Rainbow Dash," instead this time she asked Aldon about the fight, and finally, "Pinkie..." 

Before he could see the missing pony, he was bombarded by a pink blur. "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie. Do you likes sweets? Candy? Cupcakes? Ooo, do yuo liek parties?" As she continued to ramble and gleefully barrage Aldon with questions, the other four tried to haul Pinkie Pie off of him. 

Aldon, with all the commotion let out a good chuckle, and a heart laugh. "You all look like good friends. An of course, there is always the troublemaker and oddball in the group." 

"Hey, I'm not a troublemaker, I'm a party maker. Look!" Out of no where a party exploded into the room, and appeared like it was his last day left alive and it was going to be celebrated, hard. Balloons, bubbles, drinks, snacks, even a DJ booth, all inside of the small room. However just as Aldon was about to freak out, it all disappeared, and with a huge grin on her face, Pinkie finished, "see?" 

"How did you do that?" It came out autonomously from his mouth. 

"Don't ask, cause even she doesn't know. We just leave it in the It's Pinkie category deary." Aldon could see Rarity was the more elegant of the group, having a high stature in speech. 

"Yeah, it's her specialty. Ah tell ya' to watch out though, she also loves to surprise people to death." The farm-girl pony Aldon presumed, and judging by her name, Apples were her game. The hat only gave evidence to his presumption. 

"So, why are you in that bed?" Rainbow Dash asked bluntly, seemingly darkening the mood. 

"Well, injuries tend to cause that." Aldon chuckled, only to meet a serious face of Rainbow Dash. 

"Did he hurt the princesses?" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight as everything went quiet. 

"If you want to know, no. Although I was close." His words sent terror in the other 4 ponies, as they looked at each other repeatedly. 

Sadly Aldon couldn't deny it. He had almost killed the monarchs of the country. Or in this case diarchs. It was easy to tell considering what authority they held, but the ease he had of almost killing them gave him the impression this country really did need help. He could see now why his demon had told him of the trouble it would face, as he himself was that first sign of it. And in fact, a guard was he best profession for his mission, even though he had no idea what it truly was. 

"Rainbow Dash, let's put that behind us." Twilight tried to reassure the group of Aldon's second chance in a sense, yet Rainbow Dash wasn't buying it. 

"How did you do it?" Rainbow Dash asked, knowing full well defeating the princesses in battle was hard, but to almost kill them was near impossible, especially when they are together. 

Twilight looked to Aldon with hesitation at his next action, but he felt that letting them know was fair. 

He lifted his hand from the bed and slowly emitted a large flame from the palm. Indeed it was a flame, but it was not used for evil as everyone but Twilight stared on in spectacle. She had been told beforehand of his ability, and it actually scared her, as she could only imagine the power he possessed. They all seemingly squealed at the spectacle, in curiosity, fear and amazement. A being who wields fire, the most untamed element, and most savage of them all. 

"Tell me, does that damage your clothes when you use it?" Rairty asked. Aldon shook his head, "Then we will definitely need to get you a better wardrobe, a single destroyed pair of pants is simply horrible." 

"Wait, you're a designer?" Aldon asked. Rarity nodded and flashed her hair. 

"Only the best in Equestria." She paused, "I think I shall bring you some new clothes tomorrow. I uh, just need your measurements fairly quickly." Aldon nodded, but asked for simple clothes, very bland, with the same type of shoes. Elegance wasn't his style at all. After a few minutes of very odd and embarrassing measurements, for the girls at least, Aldon was back in the bed, where he stretched his legs out more. 

"Yeah sorry about that." Aldon smiled at the red-blushed girls. Although he could care less, he only loved one person, and she was gone forever from him. And of course horses were the closest mate he could have here, which would not swing very well. 

After the girls seemingly calmed down, Aldon laid quietly, pondering on the fact he truly would never see Lily again. And while perhaps it wasn't the most intimate relationship, she was one of the only people to not fear him, and hate him for what he is. A monster, and for his case here, he'd rather not introduce everyone to it. Of course, that would most likely come sooner than he'd like. 

A figure stared from outside of the window. A cloaked figure in broad daylight, smiled as it watched the scene inside of the room. N one noticed it, as it continued its observation. "A good pawn perhaps. I just need to get it alone and be in contact with it." The voice, of a female resounded a small chuckle, as she seemingly dissipated, leaving the conversation inside to continue. 

The rest of the day, following up on introduction by Aldon, then after the other four ponies left went pretty quiet for him. Although, Twilight had seemingly gave him an irremovable necklace, with quite a weird crest on it. The Sun and Moon intertwined, it looked like. And it's purpose, as she told him was to suppress his magic. 

He supposed it's fair, as only his fire was affected. Simply put, magic in the blood can reinforce a body and give it more strength, durability and endurance. Of course, using too much of that granted power can be crippling to the magic. Using too much of it can simply be said to deplete the user of their magic until it can be replaced naturally, of course, just like a muscle, magic can grow and adapt after strenuous circumstances. So simple strength bolstering should have no effect on Aldon, and that's only when he would need to use it. 

The next few days would set him up on a seemingly peaceful path in a world of friendship and magic, but even he could sense calamity on the horizon, and in more forms than one. His demon was right, but just where the heck was he? Aldon surmised he was simply hiding, but even he would've laughed at the scene in the hospital. Aldon put it behind him, and rested after eating some of the hospital's provided food. he would have a very odd day tomorrow to say for sure. 
	
> Chapter 5- Peace is a Facade, Even in Paradise.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	He can't believe he had just slept for an entire day. It was fantastic, absolutely fantastic. Like ecstasy, it gave him an amazing feeling, and apparently it was almost noon as he noticed the clothes on the side of his bed on a pulled up chair. He got the hint and slowly got up, popping joints, and cracking bones with glee. Within a few minutes, Aldon had put on the clothes: a simple black tee, a pair of white pants, and simple shoes; just a simple pair of sandals, which suited Aldon fine. His feet stopped feeling pain for as long as he remembered. The room was rather small when he stood up, but when something is almost 8 feet tall in a society of ponies, things tend to happen, so Aldon paid no mind, until the door opened. Twilight Sparkle calmly walked through, to see that Aldon was up, dressed and seemingly ready to go. 

Her eyes were dead, yet still open, and her face looked of death. She slightly drooled, and Aldon could guess no sleep was acquired by her.  "Are you good?" Aldon asked, to which Twilight lightly nodded, trying to stop the drool. "Are you sure?" 

"Yeah--I just stayed up too late--actually, I never went to sleep. Too much to research to work on; to learn." 

"You should probably take a break, but anyway what's up?" Aldon asked as he slowly approached the alicorn, bending down to look at her face, letting his eye scar stick out at her, while she looked at his war-hardened face. 

"You have an appointment with the guard in town. Just a little review to see how you are, and some simple tests. Should be all good." Aldon nodded, but immediately questioned that, letting him be a guard so quickly, and just forgiving his attack on the princesses. The ponies were definitely not beastmen, or his fellow man. 

He wished to do one thing before he left. A gift to give to a certain pony, who got hurt because of him. And while the guard threw the spear, it was his fault for it being thrown. "Where is Ms. Fluttershy? I need to give her a gift." 

"What kind of gift? I didn't see anything on you. Nothing at all." Aldon shook his head. 

"No, just please let me show you. Um--could you take the necklace off quickly and guide me to her room?" Twilight hesitated, but by the look of his face, she could slightly trust him as she used her magic to remove it and then guided him through the hallways to her room. 

As they entered the room, Aldon saw the same pony who had tried to stop the fighting, laying unconscious or asleep on the hospital bed, with the blinds open and sun protruding through. He ignored the stares at him, and the whispers, he couldn't care less. "So what are you going to do?" Twilight asked nervously as Aldon approached Fluttershy. Aldon approached her and whispered a thank you as he rubbed her head. 

Of course, he knew what he had to do next. He held up his palm and concentrated on a single emotion and thought: gratitude. For trying to help, and risking her life for him. He wanted to show gratitude as he molded a fireball in his hand. A beautiful flowing blue ball of flame. Twilight stood awestruck as he molded the ball. A blue ball of flame and light, which emitted heat, yet didn't burn or cause any harm. This was proven as Aldon found a small metal bowl and placed it on the desk next to her. No melting, no burn marks, or anything. When he let go of it, nothing happened: it stayed and burned with all of it's beauty. A permanent ball of fire, which to her surprise stayed even after he put the necklace back on. 

"Yes, it's a trademark of mine. An ever-lasting, never-harming ball of fire, from which you can hold, meld and hold close forever, as long as I am alive." Aldon felt content with it there and asked the nurses to leave it, and if they wished touch it for safety reasons, but he assured them it would do no harm and that it was a present, a beautiful present for Fluttershy. Perhaps the most valuable jewel, or most memorable present, but either way, it beat any jewelry or pony-made artifact in beauty. 

And while it took almost nothing out of him, he believed it would suffice for now. Hopefully at least, as she seemed one who would love anything from the heart, which coincidentally it actually was. Twilight on the other hand was still awestruck when Aldon tried to get her attention. "How did you do that? It's permanent and so...beautiful." 

"Like I said, it's a trademark of mine. And most people seem to like it." Twilight was confused until she realized people were humans in plural, and simply translated it to ponies for herself. 

They left the room and after some navigating and more conversation emerged from the hospital. Of course, there were no less amount of stares once outside. And luckily it was more curiosity. Although he could tell, just by his size, he put fear into some ponies. He realized however, there were more than just ponies here, albeit in extremely small quantity. He noticed some griffins, and even a minotaur roaming and talking. The town seemed relatively peaceful as Twilight led him to the Mayor's office. The air was fresh, no blood littered the street, and there were so many nice smiles, however he could see the malice in some of the inhabitants as he walked by. 

As they continued walking, he had seen so many different colors, of both ponies and buildings. He genuinely felt happy, until he saw something he hated. 

A griffin was surrounded by fellow ponies, who were berating it, and verbally assaulting it. In actuality it was pretty much bullying on an adult level. Twilight gasped and approached the scene in a mild rage. "Hey. What are you ponies doing?" Aldon approached behind, while looking at how they held adamant smiles on their face. 

"We were just telling this feather-brain to get lost. He has no place here. Nothing does but ponies, and they should be banished to say the least." One of the ponies said, who had a moderate build for a male, with a orange coat, and a standard black mane. 

"Oh and look at this, a hairless ape. A lowly animal, what is that your new pet princess?" The pony continued on. 

Aldon ignored the arrogant pony and looked at the griffin, who was cowering in fear of all the surrounding ponies. They all laughed at it while it simply wished to leave. Aldon slowly made his way through the crowd of bullying ponies and bent down to the creature, "are you ok?" 

The griffin shook his head, "please, I just don't know why they're picking on me. I did nothing wrong." It was a male, but was rather small and timid; perhaps a teenager, or small adult. 

"Of course he did something wrong, he's here. Same with you, you animal." Another pony poked Aldon rather rudely as Aldon continued to stare at the griffin in sadness. Truly paradise isn't left unscathed. Twilight was still arguing with the ponies, to stop it. 

"Why are you doing this. The griffin just wants to go home. What's your problems?" Twilight asked. 

"He's our problem," the pony pointed at the griffin. 

"Yeah, you know what, let's deal with this now," another pony said as he winded up a punch at the scared griffin. It launched, but before it could hit, Aldon caught it in his palm, and looked at the pony wince in pain. 

"That's enough," Aldon said in a serious tone as he stared into the pony's soul. 

The pony, however didn't seem intimidated as he scowled, "hey, get this thing off of me. Twilight call off your pet." 

Aldon slowly began to rise, as he towered over the ponies, seemingly lifting the pony one handed and stared at him in the eyes. "Picking on others like you're doing is something I hate." 

"Pfft, ooh so scary." Aldon cracked his knuckles. During this time however, the griffin had escaped through the commotion, Twilight was asking Aldon to stop, and all surrounding ponies were watching as Aldon was about to hit the pony in his grasp. 

The ponies now, instead of having brows of curiosity, held angered faces. Aldon saw this, and looked back at the pony, who was smiling and stuck his tongue out, "go ahead do it." Aldon chucked htep ony to the floor, making him rub his flank. 

Twilight walked over to Aldon, "Please, let's just leave. Idiots will be idiots." Aldon glared at the group, but eventually looked down to Twilight and nodded. 

"Now I suppose everyone will despise me." Aldon sighed as he followed Twilight. 

"They must be new here. I've never seen anypony act like that to somepony else, or any other species." Twilight tried to reassure Aldon, "but you should be fine. I mean, it may take them a while to like you, but you didn't do anything to him, so they can't hate you. Just uh, refrain from hurting anypony, even if they provoke you. It'll make things worse." 

"Yeah, I figured. So, are there a lot of outsiders here?" 

"No, not usually; most of the time, they are at the larger cities, like Manehattan, or Canterlot. Although, the new addition of the crystal castle has attracted a lot of new ponies, and assorted species." 

Aldon had to admit, it was definitely peaceful looking, but truthfully, no place, even paradise has peace. The griffin being bulleid is proof of that, and while he cares little for verbal insults towards himself, seeing others helpless at emotional pain makes him mad, and that group of ponies did in fact make him mad. Not enough to show it, but what they did was immoral and despicable. However, it seems violence by other races are not taken very well here, just like at back home with the beastmen. It felt weird to be on the other side of the spectrum, but he supposed he would just have to win them over, one pony at a time. 

"Here it is, the town hall. I think the captain of the guards, 'Hammerhoof' is inside. Are you ready?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, let's do it." Aldon looked at the massive structure, and approached it with Twilight, wondering how they built it all, until magic came to mind. Still ,it was impressive nonetheless. The scuffle still lingered in his mind: what would he have done if he had no control? Hopefully he could forget it. They both opened the door, leading Aldon to the next stage here: a job. 
> Chapter 6- The Test and After. 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The building was big on the otuside, but that was only the apparent upper portion. Apparently it also functioned as the guards barracks. Subsequently, and ironically, there were no guards stationed in Ponyville. Only captain 'Hammerhoof,' who by all accounts was more of an old sergeant type, preferring to let the newer generations handle it. In both physical and mental shapes he portrayed it. 

"Ah, so this must be the new recruit." Hammerhoof, who sported a shriveled, yet still kept, white coat, with a short-cut chocolate-brown mane. He also sported a fairly muscular body as far as ponies would go, and was slightly bigger than most Aldon had seen, but still a foot smaller than Celestia. He was neither a pegasus, or a unicorn, making him a regular pony.

"Yes. I presume you are the captain?" Aldon asked. 

"You got that right. A little odd though, her majesty didn't tell me anything about an ape protecting us though." He rubbed his beardless chin in curiosity. 

"Actually, I'm a human. Very close relatives to apes, but with higher intellect." Hammerhoof furrowed his chin, while directing Aldon and Twilight through the building. 

"Captain, I've never actually seen a guard's test before, but it won't involve anything dangerous right?" Twilight asked, seemingly in a nervous tone. Apparently she wasn't fond of violence, but Aldon couldn't blame her. In a world like this, the most that probably happens is a scuffle here or there, or perhaps like before, a gang of bullies. 

Twilight could take violence, but to needlessly do it was something she despised. Luckily though, while they were traversing the town hall, they traveled down stairs to find a make-shift barracks, with training equipment and a small armory. 

"Alright, son. Pick up your line of weapon, and demonstrate your strength on there dummies. But beware, the thing's are a hard nut to crack. If you can't crack em' just give it all you got." Aldon nodded and moved over to the melee weapon's racks. Greatswords, spears, long-swords, mace's, hammers, and more were lined up. Aldon however decided to let it all lose as he picked up two greatswords, one in each hand. 

"Now, maybe you should start off a little lighter. You don't want to be tired in the heat of battle." Hammerhoof had a beat of sweat, cold sweat running down his head. 

Aldon calmly shook his head, "No, feels a little light." Meanwhile, the swords themselves are almost the size of a regular pony. 

With a few large practice swings, or to Twilight's and Hammerhoof's eyes, wind-creating swings, he began walking towards the dummies. "So, do you want me to just destroy them?" 

Hammerhoof nodded as Aldon's eyes got a serious tint in them. With a determined swing, one torso was chopped off of the pony dummy. Next, within a few seconds another was gone. This was repeated, in increasingly less time, until all of the dummies lied destroyed, and in need of stitches and repairs. Of course, they weren't the only ones as Hammerhoof and Twilight calmly twitched at Aldon as he slowly approached the two.

"Are you alright?" 

"Oh, uh fine son. Uh--I never got your name actually." 

"Oh, it's Aldon. But uh, are you sure. I mean you're both twitching. Should I bring you two to the hospital?" Aldon said this, but he realized he had no directional sense in the town. None whatsoever. 

"I'm--uh--gonna get going. Plenty of more research to do." Twilight waved as she began to leave, albeit with cold sweat going down her face. Aldon supposed he overdid it just a little. 

"Alright, so what's next?" 

"Just some simple questions. So are you good with a bow or crossbow?" Hammerhoof asked, but already knew the answer. He could tell the type. 

"No. I like to be more up close and personal when it comes to enemies. Anyway, what questions would you like to ask?" 

"Why don't you take a seat," Hammerhoof pointed Aldon over to a small table, with two small wooden chairs on each side. They were indeed just big enough to support Aldon, as it creaked when he sat. 

Hammerhoof heard the noise, but tried to ignore it as he held his hooves together, "Alright Mr. Aldon, so what makes you qualified to be a guard besides wielding weapons?"

"Well, to be honest, not much. I've dealt with bad guys, or in your terms 'ponies,' but most of the time I've had to kill them." Hammerhoof stammered a cough at this, but asked Aldon to continue. 

"However, the world I come from is something of a violent place. The scuffles here, are well most likely, well scuffles compared to it." Aldon paused, "but if you would like to enlighten me if i'm wrong." 

Hammerhoof had to admit, wars rarely happened, and most of the problems stemmed from arrogant nobles, but bloodshed rarely occurred, and most things in Equestria were solved with non-violence. However, from his account, and just by the choice of words, Hammerhoof knew Aldon had seen heinous acts and occurrences. "Well, besides animal life, and gangs, there is rarely bloodshed here. And that's one of the main reasons our guards are always so inexperienced, because they have no actual combat knowledge and experience." Hammerhoof was no exception to that. Of course small struggles, and minor occurrences were in his field of experience, but nothing compared to war. The only real experienced ones in that regard are Luna and Celestia, but he would only expect them to fight in dire situations. 

Truly Equestria was peaceful, but still to have defense just in case is what Aldon was there for. However, he needed to make sure he wouldn't kill needlessly. After first blood, it becomes easier to do with each and everything after. Even family can be easy to kill after enough time. 

Hammerhoof simply wanted to see for himself: "the immense strength," as Princess Celestia pointed out in a letter to him, asking to accept Aldon as a guard. Of course, Hammerhoof had to make sure he was capable first, and by all accounts he was, but there still remained one question to ask. 

"What is your testament of strength?" Aldon had to convey his thoughts. His reasons for using strength and striking one down one with it. 

"For the people, or in this case ponies, or other species that need to be taught a lesson." Aldon knew well enough, true power was rare in this world, and perhaps the princesses were the most powerful, but anyone to cause harm with power must be taught a lesson. "Even one's with the most minute power, or the ones with the largest. The most influential, or the most poor. Any to cause legitimate harm to another without just cause should suffer just punishment. All my life, I was treated like a sub-par animal, which should be killed on a dime. Killed for nothing: no harm, no pain, or anything, and yet no one stopped them from trying it. In the end, I had to to do it myself. However, hopefully it can be different here, with me being a simple guard judging simple squabbles, or small fights. I doubt anything would like my way of dealing with criminals, so I will leave it to the laws of this land to judge the pony, or any other. However, to bring criminals to justice, force is needed, but I hope death won't have to come as a result of using it." 

Hammerhoof understood. Slavery, noble abuse, and even monarch abuse in other countries were occurring still, but laws should be obeyed and to Hammerhoof, Aldon seemed like a good candidate to do his job: hold up the law and protect the innocent. 

"Congratulations. Starting tomorrow, you can begin your work as a simple protector of peace. A town guard, but of course if you need anything, let me know." Aldon nodded. "Do you have any simple questions, private?" 

Aldon smirked, and gave a chuckle to the title, but he did in fact have a question, "so where are the others?" 

"Oh, well you're the only guard to be employed here." Hammerhoof smiled. 

Aldon had a contorted face after hearing that, "wait, but aren't you a guard here?" 

"Nope, I'm part of the royal guard in Canterlot. Celestia just asked me to act as a over watch for you in Ponyville. Also, you can use this as your training area, and dorms. There are pull out beds over there." Hammerhoof used his right hoof to point to a lighted area, which showed a couch, which was indeed a pull out, having pillows on the side and a blanket on top. "And, I'll be with you on patrols." 

"Now, get going. Twilight asked me to send you straight to her afterwards. Just head to the castle." 

Aldon sighed, but figured what the hell. He got up and began to walk to the door leading to ground floor, "One more thing private, don't scare the ponies with those weapons." Aldon looked on his back at the holsters for the two great swords, with weapons on them and nodded. He wouldn't need them unless it was a monster he had to fight. 

Aldon opened the door as Hammerhoof sighed, "he's seen it alright. The sight of true destruction." Hammerhoof gave one last look as his recently-made subordinate left. 

Aldon, not being in a rush, had more time to view the building and it's employees. It was a serene little town hall. However, apparently he was needed elsewhere as he remembered where he had to go. Sadly direction wasn't his strong suit as he began his miraculous search for the huge castle. Of course, it being huge gave him a great advantage, but he figured that he take in the locations as went on his way there. 

That was until he saw them again. That same griffin, being picked on by the same group of ponies. It pissed him off. That was until he saw what sparked it, the punch by the same pony, right into the griffins beak. Going to the castle would have to wait. 
> Chapter 7- Preserving Peace is Difficult.New Title: Monster.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was that damned pony again. And finally Aldon had noticed that tattoos on their buts, flanks. He would have to figure that out later. First was to stop them from terrorizing the defenseless griffin. Of course it just had to get worse as he began to walk towards them and saw something completely unjustified and which defied logic. 

The pony was holding a blade in his hoof. Aldon, while in deed extremely curious, put it aside for later with the tattoos and continued his walk towards him, calling out this time. "Hey, cut it out, and give me that blade." Aldon held his might voice in reserve as to not scare the bystanders, who were now staring at aldon and the groups of terrorizing ponies. The griffin saw Aldon with a small smile, wishing for it to stop, and to be able to go home. 

That's when he got even angrier as all the other ponies brought out blades and looked over the griffin, their leader holding it up to his neck. "Deal with that thing boys. He's not so tough." Aldon looked at the griffin's eyes. Purely speaking, they had tears, but in a more deep sense, they had pain, and anger towards the pony. Aldon's job was to stop this, but now with an innocent life involved, he could use more direct force as he drew out both of his great swords. The ponies, while apprehensive on continuing their approach, resumed with a laugh as their leader commented. "Look, he can't even hold those things. They must be too heavy for it. Serves you right, you deranged ape." 

Aldon gave a small smile as he took up the blades, one in each hand, and in a menacing stance, with the bystanders gasping at it. Aldon now noticed the diversity, cows, bulls, minotaurs, even a zebra or two, and more were seemingly in the crowd surrounding the fight. 

"Get him, and I'll deal with this thing." The head pony smiled, while he slowly and menacingly toyed with the griffin. 

Everyone in the crowd asked for the fighting to stop, being more apprehensive to Aldon, who wielded the impossible. Just then, the ponies charged and Aldon went into action. Seemingly a dozen blades struck at once, all to be blocked by the two great swords Aldon maneuvered. As some of the ponies tried to pull them back, Aldon gave a large kick to them, sending three flying by the end. Eight remained, as they continued to lash out, with Aldon blocking and dodging them all. Wait, Aldon mentally counted them until he felt it as it punctured his back. He had missed one, as the pony behind him laughed. A regular with a similar get-up with the leader, just slightly smaller. 

"You're not so tough. And pretty stupid too." just then as the pony finished. Aldon fished him out, and held him in one arm, with the knife coming out as well. 

Aldon, with a powered throw, sent the pony flying into a nearby house, knocking him out on impact. "Now, let's finish the rest of you off." Aldon brought up his blades, and with swings began to seemingly strike down the remaining ponies, while the crowd cried out. Of course, Aldon wasn't cruel, and only used the blunt of blade to knock them out. They tried to retaliate, but his knockouts were to fast, and eventually only Aldon, the leader, and the scared griffin were left. 

"Stay back, or this griffin'll get it." The pony stammered as he looked at his comrades. 

What came next expelled a confusing question. When? Seemingly out of nowhere, royal guards came clamoring through the crowd, and surrounded Aldon, and the pony holding the griffin hostage. 

"Stop this fighting at once," a familiar voice said, as Aldon turned to see Celestia standing there, with her sister eyeing the situation. "Please, stop this, and let the griffin go." 

"But your majesty..." Celestia shook her head. 

"You think this is what I would want? What you're doing, makes you worse than any perception of the other races." The pony was surrounded, and out of options, so he took the rash one as he held the blade back, and in slow motion began to bring the blade to the griffin's neck. Everyon'es faces lit up in concern, and sadness as the blade got closer. Aldon, however knew what had to be done, as he opened in a sprint, dropped his two great swords, and closed the distance, just before the blade made contact, bringing his hand before the neck, and having it impact that first. 

The pony's smile faded as Aldon looked at the terrified pony. With a punch, he sent the pony flying into the air, where he would fall to the ground in a thump and a heavy sigh. The royal guards swarmed the criminal, as Aldon overlooked his two stab wounds, thinking one thing: "Rarity'll be pissed." 

Of course, he was underestimating, as swarms of ponies looked at the two wounds horrified. After this, he would be regarded as a monster, or a horrifying brute. 

"What happened here?" A royal guard asked as he looked at Aldon and his wounds, while Aldon himself picked up his discarded blades and put them back into their holsters on his back. Aldon simply ignored the guard, as he should be able to figure it out. That's until he said the next words, "what the hell were you doing?" 

Aldon wanted to slam the guard into oblivion at that moment. The damned bastard had no intelligence, and on top of it, disregarded the fact that the griffin was still scared out of his mind. That's until Aldon slowly descended down next to the scared thing and pet it's head. 

"Hey, can you tell me your name?" Aldon asked, bringing the griffin out of his trance, revealing a hug it gave to Aldon. 

"My name is Glider." The griffin continued to hug, "Thank you so much. I--I thought I was going to die." 

"No thanks is needed. The fact you're alive is enough. Now, you should probably go home, before your family gets sick over you being gone." The griffin smiled and nodded. "Also, you can call me Aldon." The griffin waved as he exited the scene. 

Of course he needed to be questioned, but Aldon wanted the kid to have a breather for a while. Almost dying can do things to someone. The guards called for the griffin, but Aldon turned back around to face them, "leave it be. He almost died." 

One of the guards approached him, "don't tell us how to do our job. Damned animal." Aldon sighed, until Celestia came over, with the commotion resulting in her anger. 

"Guard, don't call that man an animal. In fact, I'd have the nerve to let him show you how much of an 'animal' he is." Aldon simply held his jaw on the floor, surprised at Celestia's outburst. However, it got better, "now apologize." The soldier was meek and inwardly pleaded to not have to. "NOW!" 

"I'm--I'm sorry." Aldon smiled. 

"It's fine. I would probably say the same thing in your shoes, or uh...hooves." While it pissed off Aldon how he was treated, he still had to admit, he was basically an undiscovered species, and in a pony-dominated society. He is the animal, even if he is intelligent. 

Celestia smiled, while Luna walked up bewildered and confused. But at the same time, Luna was amazed at her sister's outburst. It was a new, rather good side to her. Taking charge with authority. "I'm sorry, I just hate seeing my little ponies treating you in such heinous ways. Who was that little griffin anyway, I must apologize for what has happened to him." 

"Said his name was Glider. Although princess, I insist you don't. I think what he wants most is to be left alone after such an ordeal. Live with his family in peace. Give him a little bit." Celestia nodded at Aldon's words.

"Sister, we just can't believe it. You being so strict like that." While Luna knew her sister could do it, it was extremely rare and even more scary to see the act. "I mean, that guard was ocmpletely caught off guard." 

Aldon chuckled, "yes, you acted like yuor sister for a little bit." Luna gave a glare at Aldon.

"What does that mean?" Luna asked in a serious tone.

"Whatever you want it to mean," Aldon knew the type, and he knew how to beat it. Luna, just as calculated huffed and sighed. "So, why are you two here?" 

"We came here to discuss with you actually, at the castle, however we saw you weren't there and saw this scuffle nearby." She paused as she finally noticed the clear wounds, "are you alright? I mean you have some stab wound--" Aldon only had one thing to ask. 

"Where is the damned castle?" Both Luna and Celestia chuckled and knew he was fine. 

So after being patched up, by a pair of royal guards, who were extremely hesitant and reluctant to do it, Aldon, Celestia, and Luna, accompanied with some royal guards went on their way to the crystal castle of a tree. All the while, Aldon heard the whispers of a monster in town. One to hurt ponies without remorse, and to break their bones if they break the law. Aldon then just realized he had indeed broken that pony's bones, and most likely the others who he threw. Of course, the citizens weren't the only ones, the royal guards added in the act, eyeing Aldon suspiciously and with some malice. 

"I suppose it will take a while for them to take a liking to me. I suppose I will have to garner the title, 'Monster.'"
> Chapter 8- The Monster Enters the Castle. 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was a calm journey after. That is for Aldon's consciousness, but not his heart. Emotions stemmed from his fire-filled heart, which felt the sadness of a coming storm. A storm of madness. 

His vision blurred as he watched and went on autopilot. He had experienced it before, by the tampering of the gods. But, he would suspect that he was alone, with no gods overlooking him. Of course, the next words made him seemingly wrong in every way. 

"Destroyer of Divinity, as per the decree of our courts, the Divine shall  smack you down soon enough. Make ready, for we are prepared to harm anything that comes in our way." Aldon clenched his fist, while he continued on the monotonous, gray autopilot, "and don't forget, we hold all of the power, mortal." The voice continued to intimidate Aldon. Of course, the voice of the holy god, Angellos was scary, but that was for someone or something who had never seen his power. "We expect a good match when we find you." Aldon was made for a sole purpose, giving the gods a fun time. As per usual, they had no opponents besides themselves, so they would make an opponent on occasion. Aldon was such an opponent. 

Aldon was scared of them, because he knew they would harm the innocents, as all gods do when they want to meddle in fun games. They are sadistic, maniacal, and villainous, yet plenty of people, beasts, civilizations, and even undiscovered worship the many arrogant gods. Even the so called, 'good gods,' were only named so in their ideas of 'good.' Like helping a family out of drought, only to take a family member as recompense, but of course none of the worshippers knew this, and put it as a misfortune, totally unaffiliated with the gods. 

The gray, autopilot disappeared, with Aldon's fist still being clenched. The world of Equus, and the country of Equestria, in the town of ponyville, returned to his view. All of it's vibrant colors, and diverse species, which all held intelligent, sophisticated life. He would keep it a secret until the time came, but hopefully it never would, as the hubris of gods meant sometimes they overestimated themselves. 

"Aldon, are you alright?" Celestia asked as she noticed his clenched fist, which to Aldon, he had noticed as well. He quickly deflated it, and put on a smile. 


"Yeah, just fine. I just had a little bit of a frozen moment." Celestia understood, the autopilot effect. It would indeed happen to her sometimes too. 

She inwardly chuckled, "actually, it happens to me a lot. Always in damned day court when it comes to the needy nobles," she thought to herself.

"So, how close is the castle, by--the--wa..." Aldon saw it. An extremely odd structure. A tree, sprouting enormous crystals, all forming into an odd, yet elegant castle. It definitely reminded him of a skit in a newspaper, as it looked so cartoony, yet he simply ignored it, and also thought of when the last time he read a newspaper. 

Luna giggled, "yes, it can usually give that to those who just gaze upon it." 

"Shall we enter," Celestia asked, while Aldon simply nodded, while her sister still stifled a laugh. 

On the other side, the six elements of harmony were assembled, discussing plans to hang and socialize, waiting for the main guest, and the two princesses. "He looks so stressed, perhaps we should bring him to the spa." 

Everyone looked worried at that, "That might work, but what if he declines?" 

"And why would he refuse?" Rarity asked. 

"Well, first off, he seemed to be more of a hardened soldier, than a common civilian. That life might not suit him." Twilight's interjection sent everyone's heads low. 

"Plus, all of the marks might scare off Lotus and Aloe." 

"Well, personally I don't know why anypony would be scared, especially when the greatest flier of equestria is present." Everyone, but Pinkie sighed at Rainbow's words. 

"I think we should throw him a party, with tons of cupcakes, and hats, and all of the ponies in town. A welcome to Equestria party for the resident, hoo-man." Pinkie paused, "wait does he like parties, or cupcakes, or sweets, or fun?" 

Everyone giggled at Pinkie's antics. "Also, Pinkie, I think it's pronounced Hu-man." Twilight's words went on dull ears as Pinkie kept trying to figure out the solution to her problems. She was counting her hooves for solving real-life, logic problems. 

"Perhaps ah could have im' work on the farm with me. Big Mac's been feelin' a little under the weather lately, and a helping hoof could always help." Applejack was directed with confused faces, until Applejack put on the 'what' face. 	

"I still say we should bring him to the spa. The poor dear is probably so sore after that fight." Rarity blushed, "But uh, would we use separate rooms?" Everyone, but Pinkie seemingly blushed at that, but Rarity was by far the most. 

"Maybe a look--at the animals would serve to lighten his moods. Who doesn't like animals?" Everyone was shocked to hear Fluttershy say anything.

"Alright, I think we should do each of those, but first thing we need to do is figure out his situation." Everyone nodded at Twilight's statement. 

A knock came at the door. Everyone tensed up, until a familiar voice came in, "Her royal highness Celestia, and her royal highness Luna are here." A purposeful cough came after, "and the ape." A loud clang was heard from the other side of the door as the guard had a small tear rolling down his face and an angry Luna in front of it. Aldon found it immeasurably amusing, while, when the door opened, everyone else was ashamed of the guard. 

Everyone in the the immediate room of the castle bowed before the princesses, and Aldon noticed the others doing the same. He however would bow for no one; it's how he lives, and will be how he dies. 

"Hey, bow before the princesses, you oaf." Aldon still stood, unyielding as all of the guards had sweat going down their backs, both mad at his refusal, but also to what the princesses will think. 

"Please, you don't need to be formal. You've saved our nation plenty of times, and it should be I who bows." Lunan nodded as well. 

"Yes, without the bearers, we would've perished long before, with the arrival of--" Luna coughed, "um well, please stand up. We dislike your formalities." 

"Oh, well if ya' say it like that." Applejack, followed by all of the other mares stood, while the guards still bowed. 

"Same with everypony else," Luna sighed, as the guards stood in attention. 

"Sister, let us sit and discuss. There is much to talk about." Celestia nodded. 

"Ah, over here your highnesses," Twilight held open two seats for them, in conjunction with a round table of chairs. 

The guards shut the door, and stood at attention outside, while Aldon looked for a seat to sit. He found one next to Fluttershy and Rarity on either side of him. 

"Alright, so what is this about anyway?" Aldon asked. Everyone looked at each other for confirmation, even the two diarchs. 

"We would like to ask you a few questions regarding your coming here, and what you intend to do," Celestia asked. 

Aldon rubbed his invisible beard, as he grunted, "alright, what would you like to know specifically?" 

"I believe all of us would like to understand the circumstances of your arrival. We should start there." Aldon nodded at Luna's request, as everyone in the room seemingly leaned in to hear his tales. 

"Well, for the sake of sparing you the nightmares you may have, I'll spare them more gruesome details. Alright, so have any of you heard of demons?" 

Everyone nodded their heads, while Twilight spoke up, "Yes, we have a place called Tartarus where we banish the demons and heinous ponies and beings of destruction." 

"Have you heard of vampires?" Aldon asked. 

"Oh, you mean vamponies? I've read some stories on them, they're actually quite interesting." Everyone gawked at Rainbow Dash, "What? I can read and enjoy a good story." 

"Alright, well essentially," He explained the phenomena leading up to his death. He left out the demon, and replaced it with his own consciousness, and also seemingly left out his group of friends, instead replacing it with a solo mission of revolution. 

"So you were killed?" Celestia asked. 

"Yes, although apparently I was sent here to ensure peace reigns, and to protect the innocent, or something like that. Although, to me this place seems like a quiet tranquil place, if not for the small crimes, fights, and verbal insults. 

"Well, Equus has become a much more peaceful place since the Changelings were defeated and Tirek defeated." Luna paused, while having a light bulb pop up over her head, "Discord as well, with him being harmonized it's been very peaceful." 

"Changelings? And who is Tirek and Discord?" Everypony seemed to look confused, until they realized Aldon had never seen, or been to this world prior, so he has never heard of any of them. Of course, it was still surprising. 

"Well," Twilight began, with everyone getting ready for a *riveting* tale, to which she fumed at their reactions, "Changelings are bug-looking ponies, who live off of emotions. They usually forcefully took the emotions from ponies, and even kidnapped some for more feeding. Their queen, Chrysalis, is a terrible pony, who we luckily defeated when she invaded Canterlot." Aldon was about to ask, but Twilight cleared it over, "Canterlot is our capital, on the mountain." 

"A city...on a mountain?" 

"Yes, it's a rather beautiful sight, sadly the nobles and aristocrats make it their home. How lovely day court would be without them." Celestia seemingly daydreamed, with everyone seeming to feel bad, except aldon, who was still confused, but continued to listen till the end. 

"Anyway, now Tirek, he was a mad centaur, who wanted to steal all of the magic from Equestria, well actually all of Equus." Twilight smirked as she saw Aldon dumbfounded, and utterly impressed. 

"How did you defeat someone like that?" 

"Well we are the elements of harmony, so we simply used them to take him down. Although, my fast flying and good distractions made it all come together," Rainbow Dash gloated. 

"Yes, it was the closest to utter defeat, and death Equestria and all of Equus has ever faced. Even me and my sister were almost depleted and killed," Luna said. 

"So, he was just able to steal magic from everything?" 

"Yes, and he also stole it from the very planet itself, as it radiates magic. It's what gives us our strength. Without that, all ponies would die." Aldon pondered on it. So basically, they've faced almost god-like figures. And his suspicion was confirmed with the next figure: Discord. 

"Discord is something called a draconequus, which is a mix of different species. It would be better to just take a look at him when you meet him, but just understand you'll know it when you see him." Aldon nodded, "moving on, so basically Discord tried to cause chaos, and suffering. He would pull ridiculous pranks, and even threaten pony lives. Luckily, we were able to harmonize him with the elements, and he is now bearable and kind. Of course, he still needs to use his chaos magic, but he usually only pulls small, manageable pranks now." 

Fluttershy interjects, with a small, sheepish smile, "yes he even comes to have tea with me every so often. He's an odd fellow, but I kind of like his company." So, Aldon could relate Discord to a tamed god from his world, well by tamed meaning an actual good being of power. 

"So, what about the Changelings?" 

"Oh, well without their queen, they've been pretty idle. And as far as we know, Chrysalis is still in captivity in Canterlot." Celestia paused, "with that out of the way, we wish to ask you some very important questions. More concerning than your condition on getting here. That is, what exactly was that when we met you?" 

Aldon sighed, "what happened just simply made me angry. I just hate it when innocent people--er well--ponies are hurt, especially by their own. It would happen so much on my world, but none of the times I ever saw it were the ones struck down my friends, or an ally of any sort." 

"That's all well and good, but please explain what that power was. It wasn't normal, and it certainly wasn't the magic I know." Luna said this with a glare pointed at Aldon, "and while we apologize deeply for what had happened to you, what you did was something very dangerous, and we want to make sure you don't do it again. Luckily the blood loss had stopped you, but what if it happens again." Aldon acknowledged Luna's concerns, but just realized no one else besides the two diarchs had seen Aldon in that state. They all look confused. 

Aldon turned to Fluttershy, with a sorry expression on his face, "Fluttershy, would you happen to have the gift I gave you?" Fluttershy nodded. 

"Yes, it was so beautiful, I couldn't let my eyes gaze off of it. Here, it's in my bag," Fluttershy reached over her chair and picked out the permanent, harmless and magnificent fireball, which Aldon had gifted her. 

Everyone was astounded by it's beauty, especially Rarity, who was drooling. "And it's harmless, and so beautiful, and I think I need one." 

Aldon shook his head, "Fluttershy helped me in a bind, and that's why I gave it to her, but once I settle down some more, I'll be sure to give each and everyone of you a fireball as well, to remember me by." Aldon smiled.

"Can it be in party color?" Pinkie asked. 

"Pinkie, that's not a color. Um--Aldon, what colors can you exactly put into a fireball anyway?" 

"Well, depending on the magical pressure, any, although the darker the more magic it takes out of me. Black and white are also colors I can't due, do to their instability." Aldon continued on, while reaching for the fireball, promising to give it right back, "this is a dense object. It has properties, and mass. It is essentially mass-magic, or objectual magic. That's what happened, and that's why your spells didn't work, because you were hitting pure matter in magic form. Like hitting a rock, it contacted that, but because it's also magic, it cancels it out as well." 

Luna and Celestia were right, it was an actual object, but retaining magic form. Perhaps the most powerful magic they've seen. Twilight was unsurprisingly taking notes, while everyone else was simply enamored with the blue orb of dense-holdable fire. 

"Although, it is something that is only allowed to certain individuals. As it is more dangerous than any other type of usable magic." What Aldon didn't tell them though, was that only him and the main three gods were the ones to use it, and that's where they get their power from.However, Aldon could never use that type of magic without a emotion induced state taking over him. Without the extra power from it, the matter-magic would die out before he could even light a ball of flame in his palm. He could see slight nervousness taking over everyone, but Pinkie, who still wished for a party-colored ball of fire. Pink would have to do; "don't worry though, I can't usually use it. I--uh, can't exactly do that too often. It taxes my body so much, that it could literally drain my body of all it's magic." 

"Please, even still, we wish you don't use that form of magic at all. It is something no one can seem to counter." Aldon nodded. 

"Don't worry, plus I have this anyway; I couldn't do it if I tried." Aldon threw the irremovable necklace out and dangled it. 

Rarity went out of her trance and looked, "is that a magic inhibitor?" 

Celestia nodded, "yes, it was made specifically for other species, and is only allowed to be removed if I or Luna allows it. I'm sorry if it bothers you, but we ask if you can live with it. We'd not wish the ponies to get scared due to your special magical properties." 

Aldon shook his head, "no it's fine. I can live just fine without it. Magic is just useful for those who don't want to work hard." He silently chuckled as he realized what he had just said, "well in my world at least. You gals aren't lazy or anything." Everyone went from a death glare to a happy stare. Luckily, his magic wasn't the only thing he had going for him. The blood running through his veins and the scars on his skin holding his memories allowed him to do anything. Magic was something he could live without. Although, that is if he wasn't fighting something that was using magic against him. Luckily he wouldn't or he would be in trouble. 

"Oh yes, would you like to go to the spa tomorrow dear?" Rarity asked. 

"What's a spa?" Everyone keeled over, and Aldon slightly rubbed his head, with a meek smile. "This is going to be an odd adventure to say for sure," Aldon said to himself. 

	

	
	
	
> Chapter 9- Rarity's Vengeance.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Aldon awoke groggily to a pony playing cards on a nearby table. Ironically, or perhaps not so, the royal guard, who was instructed to be Aldon's watcher, was playing alone, with a dimly lit light to illuminate the one on one match between him and himself. Aldon realized he was on the couch bed, and reminisced on yesterday, and figured he would have to go through something called a 'spa' treatment. He had heard of it before back in his own world, but he felt it would only weaken him. A procedure that would weaken him scared him for sure. He had the power granted to him to protect others. The main reason was from the abuse of gods, but his friends as well, from almost anything. 	

Of course, when it came to Rarity and beauty, Aldon knew all too well, even though they essentially just met, that she was the queen of it. She designed the clothes for kings and queens, while also, most likely attending the so called 'spa' treatment as often as she could. 

Even though he gave no mind to it, Rarity was quite beautiful for a pony, although it was her human-like features that made it so, but Aldon thought all of them just looked cute. Of course they were his friends, but as one would love their dog as a friend and companion, Aldon loved the ponies as such. There were sour dogs, who trampled those who threatened them, just like the pony society. He had a dog, and he knew what it felt like to lose him. To be powerless to stop people from dying, and to watch as the culprit gave a sly smile and a haughty laugh at the blood on his hands. 

Aldon clenched his fists, with all the power he could muster, inadvertently crack the palm, "Never again," he whispered to himself. "What happened that day won't ever happen again." 

Although Aldon was completely new to this world, he considered the ponies innocent and would die to protect the innocents, and especially his friends. Of course, that list just incorporated very few creatures of the world. 

Hammerhoof had a smug look on his face as he looked at his own hand, imagining himself sweating on the other side, "alright ya' bastard. Let me show you how I lay down the table." 

Aldon gave a light chuckle, to which Hammerhoof flipped over the table and ducked on the other side, "you didn't see anything!" 

"Alright boss. Don't worry your little secret is safe with me." Aldon lifted himself up and viewed for his clothes, which he slipped on. His shoes came next as Hammerhoof rose his head above the protection of the table. 

"I almost forgot you were here. For such a big -- human you don't seem to have any problems in the sleeping department." 

Aldon chuckled, "well, when you're almost four hundred pounds, you tend to sleep soundly in the night." He knew in this world that size and strength was inevitably power. It was a world of magic all the same, but those two attributes would account for the fear of never being attacked, and Aldon at least knew he had one compared to the ponies. Of course, their kicks had him beat for sure, as he rubbed his chest on the sore spot. He winced, while Hammerhoof looked concerned.

"You alright there son? Luna didn't hit ya' too hard that day did she?" Aldon shook his head. 

"Nothing I can't handle. Anyway what time is it?" 

"It's around eight in the morning." Aldon nodded. 

"I'll be going on patrol then, do you need anything before I go?" 

"Actually," Hammerhoof approached the human, "I think I'll go along, to stretch the old muscles and see how a rookie does." 

Aldon laughed. What exactly the point of watching a monotonous task being performed by an overqualified person. Hammerhoof had bags under his eyes for sure. "I think you should get some rest sir," he became serious, "you don't exactly look the best to go patrolling." 

"What are you talking about?" Hammerhoof asked. Quizzically looking over Aldon's peering azure eyes. He was at a lost, as a subordinate caring for his well being. He rarely got sleep; he lost that a long time ago, after he lost it all, but in spite of it, he managed to push on. Aldon was the same as him, he had seen the face of death, and walked away with nothing but himself and scarred memories. It carries with the eyes. The sad, sullen and depressed eyes. The damage would be done forever, and Hammerhoof knew it would never be repaired for himself or his new subordinate. It's why he liked him, the human felt what loss was. 

Yet despite that, the human was asking for Hammerhoof's condition, and recommending for him to rest. Sadly, Hammerhoof could  do no such thing. "I'm sorry son, I've lost the ability to enjoy sleep for as long as I remember." 

Aldon nodded his head, "I understand. It's tough to lose, and even tougher to live after losing it all. You are perhaps the bravest pony I've seen so far Hammerhoof. To be brave enough to lose everything and yet still live and protect others." 

Hammerfhoof was silent, taking in Aldon's words, until with a new outlook Hammerhoof smiled, "alright, let's get going then. I'm a little hungry while I think about it." 

As the two wordlessly travelled outside, they were greeted by the Mayor, and her assistants. Although, the patrons looking for assistance were nowhere near as kind, instead directing hard stares and some death glares. Hammerhoof looked ashamed at the ponies. He had been briefed and about the first encounter, and while it scare him, it was a secret. Of course, he had heard what happened, and if Hammerhoof was there, he would've knocked the pony harder. 

Aldon seemed fine to ignore it though, so Hammerhoof kept the thought to himself as they travelled outside, into the beautiful and serene sun. "It's always so nice out. Celestia tries so hard for us; I respect her deeply for it." 

Hammerhoof began walking, with Adlon following. Aldon decided that it was fine to leave his two greatswords behind, as it would only draw attention, and he doubted anything major happening. Although Aldon was curious to Hammerhoof's statement. What exactly did he mean? 

"Um, Hammerhoof, what exactly do you mean?" Hammerhoof pondered, until he hoof-palmed and realized that Aldon was not from the world, and knew nothing of how it essentially worked. It also seemed like, although the intense questioning and exchange of information, very little of how the world worked was mentioned. 

"Well, basically the two princesses, Luna and Celestia, raise the moon and sun respectively."

"Wait, what do you mean?" Aldon asked, confused, as they started to move up to the marketplace.

"Well, just as I said. They hold the power to raise the moon and sun. Celestia raises the sun, while Luna raises the moon." Aldon was completely puzzled. How did they move celestial objects. Were their magics that strong? Did they purposefully hold back on me? Could they have killed me that day, with no problems whatsoever? 

Questions funneled in his  mind, making him look like he in the middle of taking a hard exam; pure concentration. So much so, he almost hit a stand in the marketplace. 

A feminine, southern accent dawned in to Hammerhoof, "is he alright?" 

"I'm not sure. Hey, Aldon, you hear me?" Hammerhoof even attempted to wave his hooves up at Aldon's dead eyes. 

Luckily after a light punch from Applejack, Aldon was back in the world of the living. He was still completely anxious ot the questions popping up, but decided to wait till later to filter them about. 

"Wait, Applejack, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, well I have an apple stand. Did you think I would be working on the farm today?" Aldon meekly nodded. 

"Well, I have to sell the apples too, or they go bad." 

"Speaking of which," Hammerhoof interjected, "Can I get two to go please." Hammerhoof pulled out about 10 bits and handed them to Applejack. 

"Oh, well here ya' go then. Am I to assume that Rarity is bringing you to the spa today?" Applejack asked the human, who was handed an apple from Hammerhoof.

"Well, she looked pretty serious about it." 

"Yeah, ah would never say anything like that in front of her. She would kill people who didn't know one of her favourite words." Applejack looked at Aldon seriously, "just make sure you don't ditch her. Or well, she'll probably find you when she's ready. Probably around noon if I know her." Aldon nodded. 

"Alright, see ya' around Applejack." She nodded to Aldon as both Aldon and Hammerhoof waved at her and began to walk away. 

A crunch was heard to Aldon's right as he saw the pony munch down on the apple. His face contorted into pure joy. Aldon looked down at the perfect apple in his hand. 

He quickly took a crunchy bite, with the juice dripping down him and his face, as well as Hammerhoof's was in bliss. "I think this is the best thing I've ever had." Hammerhoof nodded. 

"The apples are truly magnificent. Their apples are easily the best, by miles." Aldon concurred as they continued to patrol around town, looking out for any mischief.  

Hammerhoof talked and walked, and discussed and jogged. Three hours later, and it was a little bit past noon, with the two of them looking in front of the town hall. 

"Are you scared about her?" Hammerhoof asked. 

"No, I don't think Rarity is that crazy. I mean I'm only a little bit late. She probably won't be that mad." Hammerhoof nodded and walked inside. 

"I'll see you tonight then, and good luck." Hammerhoof walked into his current home, and waved Aldon good bye, from which he returned in kind. 

Aldon began to whistle as he tried to navigate back to the Carousel Boutique. Even though he had been here for a few days, the pattern of the town continued to elude him. Without Hammerhoof there with him today, he most likely would've circled around aimlessly instead of actually patrolling. 

The sun was at it's peak, yet it still felt great out. Although he was curious as to what the pegasus were doing in the sky. Perhaps something else he should ask later. What caught his attention next gave him goosebumps. 

Out of nowhere a familiar voice called to him, "Aldon dear, are you ready for the spa today?" She asked. 

Aldon's eyes widened, and began to frantically look out until he was hit with something. However before he could see the culprit, who he knew was Rarity, he blacked out. 

She walked out of a nearby alley and looked at the collapsed man. She maniacally laughed, to which the others walked out, except for Applejack and were confused. 

"What was the point of that?" Twilight asked. 

"He didn't know what a spa was. He needed to pay." Rainbow Dash laughed hysterically, with Pinkie eventually joining in, while Fluttershy was concerned with Aldon's well being. 

"Wait, so you knocked him out and made him almost piss himself just to drag him to the spa. I mean, I'm pretty sure he was going to go with us." 

Rarity shook her head at Rainbow Dash, "No, I needed to make sure he wouldn't back out on it. Anyway, let's get going. Rarity tried to move the man, only to find he wasn't budging." 

"I may require some assistance." Meanwhile Fluttershy was simply looking over him, nodding to herself as he checked out to be ok. 

"I think that might be up to you Rarity. You knocked him out, so you should carry him." Rarity turned red as she tried to hoist him over her back, while she ignored Rainbow Dash's comment.

"Rainbow Dash, you're strong, so why don't you carry him?" Rarity asked. 

"I'm strong, but I'm not stupid. He weighs a ton." 

Eventually after more and more attempts, Twilight agreed to help. It defaulted to them both using their magic and walking to their destination. All the while, Rarity was smiling deeply, and Pinkie was jumping greatly. 

	
	
> Chapter 10- The Monster was Kidnapped?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Aldon had his eyes groggily open, viewing the world in a drunken state, while floating along the road. 

"Ok girls, so when are we going to put up a party?" Pinkie asked, jumping around the practically unconscious man. In size comparison, from which it was easier to observe, he was about three times the size of a pony. However, he was also much denser as well. 

"Pinkie, I don't think he'll be up for a party for al ittle bit after this," Applejack said. 

"Why not? Everypony loves parties." 

"Well, we did just technically foal nap him, even though I don't think he'll care too much. Still though." 

Rarity interjected as they continued to walk, "I needed to make sure he wouldn't skip out on us. He doesn't seem like the one to want to go to a spa, and when I heard he had no idea what it was, it made me fume." Rarity paused, breathing heavily, "he's very heavy though." 

"Well, look at his size. He's much bigger than Big Mac to say the least. And even taller than Princess Celestia." Everyone at that moment did have to admit, he was huge for anything intelligent. 

Even a minotaur would have trouble in a size comparison. They may be slightly taller, but no pony has ever seen a more muscular and denser minotaur. his weight came from his body and the blood that ran through it. And it was like holding up a small boulder. It was surely a test for the unicorn and alicorn to see how long they could keep him up. 

"If he was workin' on the farm, he could do quite a lot." Applejack was indeed having trouble without Big Mac's help. He had suffered an illness a week ago, and it was still strong. He had seen a doctor to check up on it, but what the pony said was he needed rest. Macintosh vouched to continue helping, but Applejack didn't want him to hurt himself or overexert. She would just have Aldon help out a little bit. She hoped he would be willing to help; and inwardly she knew he was the type to help out those in need. 

All the other girls seemingly ignored Applejack's quiet comment, opting to instead talk about Twilight's condition. Rarity went first, on seeing Twilight staring ahead, "are you alright Twilight?" 

Twilight looked over smiling, "yeah, I'm just a little exhausted. I'm not used to being a princess still, and it just puts a toll on me sometimes, being somepony you're not used to being. Canterlot exhausted me, and I was only there for a few weeks. I don't understand how the Princesses could put up with the nobles for so long." 

"Sugarcube, it come with the job. Ah mean, Celestia has been doing it for so long, I doubt it really ever gets to her anymore. Like me and bucking apples, it just becomes habit." Everyone looked to Aldon, who was once again unconscious, his hazy eyes closing. 

Fluttershy looked closely at his torn frame. his scarred exterior, and yet his peaceful sleep. "I can feel his exhaustion." Everyone went quiet. "I don't think he gets that much sleep anymore." As they continued to the spa, they did indeed observe his peaceful body in the floating aura of magic. 

The questions the day before had went onto his life before this. The details of his birth were a mystery. His identity was a mystery. Even his powers were. however, when he was asked about the scars, he opted to steer clear of it. He explained it would only hurt him showing him the memories of such experiences. The group had seen horrible things. Ponies have died, and villains had the upper hand. They even lost the whole world once, but he insisted on keeping his memories locked up. 

For one, it made Rainbow Dash angry. "He's just overreacting. I could handle it. I don't know why he didn't allow us to view some of them. I mean, they can't be all bad?" 

"I don't know Rainbow Dash, but let's just drop it. He asked us to respect his wishes of not showing us them." Rainbow Dash huffed at Twilight, while most of the rest of the journey went unheard, except for Pinkie and her usual antics. 





Aloe and Lotus, who ran the Ponyville relaxation center, sat there as ponies came and went, and their client's requests were met with satisfaction. The two twins and happy sisters, who made the ponies in Ponyville happy and content when they leave. That day was rather short on supply of ponies, until another group waddled in. The Elements, minus Applejack, who had to attend to the farm and went back to the orchard on the way to the relaxation center, waltzed in with the new guard in an aura fixated around him. 

Lotus, the cyan coated, pink maned pony, was in the back checking supplies and daily logs, while Aloe, the opposite, was at the counter, awaiting customers. "How can I help you today Miss Rarity?" Aloe asked, while Rarity approached, leaving Aldon on the floor. 

He groggily woke up in the background, gaining his hand on the floor for balance as he wobbled his way back up, taking in his surroundings. "Where the hell am I?" 

"Can we have six of your daily specials?" Rarity asked, while the group behind tried to steady Aldon as he sat down, from which still having some height over the ponies. 

"Oh of course Miss Rarity." Aloe looked behind her for a second at the creature on the floor, "is he dangerous?" 

"Oh, Aldon," Rarity turned around, "no, he may look scary, but I assure you he's just fine." 

"Aldon? That's an odd name." 

"Yeah, that's what I first thought, but he's not exactly from around here, so it's understandable." Aloe Looked to Rarity curiously after this. 

"Wait, so he's not from Equestria? Is he from the Griffin Kingdom, or perhaps the Zebra's lands?" Rarity smiled and realized she wasn't allowed to exactly tell. 

"Uh, yeah, I think one of the outside countries." Aloe nodded. Although originally she thought of the thing as a pet, it speaking and communicating, and sporting clothes made her realize otherwise. However, an ape was a scary encounter, and although he looked different, he appeared just the same, but hairless. the animal definitely did look sophisticated though, and was indeed intelligent. 

"So a nice hot tub relaxation followed by a soothing massage for six then?" Rarity nodded. 

"Oh, that'll be seventy two bits please." Rarity dispersed her coin purse and dispensed the bits accordingly, with Aloe transferring them to the register. 

Aldon was still confused in the background, wondering what was happening, until Rarity walked over and with his face contorted he asked, "what was that?" 

"What was what darling?" Rarity asked back, trying to avoid the subject. 

"Why did you drug me and then kidnap me. I was going to come to the 'spa' with you guys anyway." Aldon was irritated, but as he looked into Rarity's eyes he knew it was a losing battle. They may be intelligent, devious ponies, but they were really cute. 

"What does 'kid-nap' mean?" Pinkie asked. 

"I think he means foal nap." Twilight's words were true as Aldon nodded. 

"I guess, as you call children foals and fillies?" The five nodded. 

Fluttershy approached Aldon as he again stood, much more aligned this time, "I'm sorry. I opted to ask Rarity not to, but she was very insistent." 

Aldon shook his head, "It's fine. I can mark down another crazy pony at least." Rarity's eyes twitched at that, while Pinkie stood confused. 





Everyone went to their assigned changing rooms, which were really just mares and stallions. Of course, Aldon was the only one who really needed to change considering everyone else was naked essentially. Although, considering the ponies embarrassment at the hospital, he opted to keep the towel on while he would go in the hot tub. There were separate rooms they could use, but everyone insisted they relax together. Aldon wasn't really arguing, considering he had no idea what was in store for him. Relaxation came rarely for him, and even rarer was 'paid-for-relaxation.'





Everyone exited their specific changing rooms, entering the hot springs/tub area. The mares were on the right, while the stallions on the left, when looking from the water. Aldon looked over to see some blushes when they saw him, but he really didn't understand why until he remembered one thing. The different species, and the fact they were intelligent, and had feelings, and...He understood why now, but he also decided he would have none of it. There was one girl he would have married, and she was gone from him. And it also wasn't his thing to have interspecies relationships, it just wasn't his thing. 

"Alright," Aldon said abruptly getting the blushes away and curious faces on, "so let's see what this is about then." 

The mares nodded and walked over to the springs all walking in and sighing with relief, as Pinkie jumped overhead. 

"Cannonball!" and with that, the water exploded around the mares, revealing annoyed expressions and a happy pink pony. Aldon gave a laugh as he slowly got in, with his towel still covering him. 

Everyone sighed again, except for Aldon who was wondering what it was really about, until Rarity questioned it. "What's the matter? Is it not to your liking?" 

"No, it just feels like normal water to me," Aldon said. Everyone looked to him dumbfounded, even Pinkie as they basked in the rich warmth. 

"How? the water is so warm and soothing," Rarity replied.

"Do you not like warm water?" Twilight asked. 

"No, I do it's just...oh." 

"Uh oh?" Pinkie asked.

"No, 'oh,'" Aldon replied. "Hold on." He looked concentrated for a few seconds until he looked so relaxed he slowly descended into the water in delight. 

"What happened? What did you do?" Rarity asked inquisitively, with Fluttershy also wondering, as an animal enthusiast. 

"My body temperature, don't you notice it?" Aldon asked. 

"I mean, it was quite warm but...oh!" Rarity bluntly stated. She remembered from the hospital, from the measurements, his skin was warm and blood was hot. 

"Yeah, my blood was a little too warm, and my body temperature was raised. I haven't had it like normal for as long as I remember, but this feels amazing," Aldon barely managed to say as he closed his eyes in relaxation and sighed. Everyone smiled at his peaceful expression of almost sleep. 

"Hey," Rainbow bluntly said, to which aldon opened up an eye to look at her, opting to keep the other closed, "I know you asked about keeping your memories to yourself, but why would you say we couldn't take it?" She sighed in annoyance, "we've been through a lot of things. We've seen things happen, and understand how the world works? So why would you say we were too weak to handle it?" 

Aldon felt bad, as seeing the Rainbow maned pony feeling inferior. It was true he felt like they would have nightmares afterwards, he couldn't fathom to show them. He didn't want any pity to be put on him. He had suffered in the past, but that was behind him, and he was ahead of them. 

"I don't want you to see them." Aldon paused and sighed heavily, "my past is behind me. I don't want to bring up old memories, only to feel long forgotten pain. It's not you not being able to stomach it, it's me not able to do it. I just want to forget the past." Rainbow nodded, feeling slightly guilty for pressing the issue. 

"Was it really that horrible?" Fluttershy asked. 

"Well, look for yourself. It wasn't all bad though...I met the person I loved, and my friends. Actual friends and made a family out of them. My past isn't all darkness," Aldon lightly smiled, "there were good parts of it. And I wish to share that with you guys, not the pain, or the suffering." 

Fluttershy nodded, and everyone sat in silence for a few minutes, until Lotus came in to greet the customers and ask for what they wanted as shampoo. "So, what do you ponies think?" Aldon decided he would leave it to the professionals, plus he really didn't know much anyway. 

"I think the usual will be good. Thank you Lotus." Lotus nodded, leaving a few bottles of rose scented shampoo at the water's side. 

As if on autopilot, the nearest couple gather some shampoo and began to to do the other's manes from behind. Fluttershy was with Twilight. Rainbow was with Pinkie, and Rarity was left alone to Aldon's left, eyeing at him, while he had his eyes closed. 

"Um...Aldon?" Rarity nervously asked. 

"Yes?" Aldon kept his eyes closed. 

"Could you do my mane?" Rarity asked, slowly stopping the words in an almost timid hush, like Fluttershy. 

Aldon opened his eyes to the adorable unicorn looking with almost-unjustifiable puppy eyes. She then blushed as he looked at her. He sighed and then smiled, "of course." Sadly, he didn't know much to do in that category, but luckily he could improvise pretty well. 

He took the shampoo and spread it on his hands, working through Rarity's mane, although he could tell his hands weren't very soft, but she seemed to enjoy them. Although he supposed his hands still must be better than hooves going through your hair. After a little while, the others switched to which Rarity offered, but Aldon shook his head, opting to just relax in the water more. Rarity nodded, while doing the same. 





The massage followed, where in fact Aldon found out how tight his muscles were wound up. At first it had immensely hurt, and the massager, a female, azured coated, purple maned, offered to stop. Everyone was worried for his well-being, until, after telling the masseuse to continue, he felt his muscles let loose and turn to practical paste. It was perhaps the greatest feeling he ever had. 

After the enjoyable hour massage, everyone walked out extremely refreshed, but Rarity seemed to stay back with Aldon's masseuse. The two talked, which turned into the masseuse walking away, and Rarity following the group, with a mild blush on her face. Aldon didn't notice, but there was an obvious reason for it, to which he ignored and decided to thank Rarity, promising to pay her back, and went home after good byes. He supposed he could really get used to the world of relatively peaceful ponies. And he had to admit, the experience he had just felt was perhaps the best he had ever had. The Town Hall was empty as he went down. finding Hammerhoof passed out on the table, when he found his bed and shut his eyes. Sleep came easier for him that night, that's for sure. 
> Chapter 11- Old Memories Surface. Bonds are Formed.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	In a world of peace, there exists conflict. In a world of sorrow, there exists pleasure. In a world of wealth, there exists poverty. In a world of  power, there exists weakness. In a world of grief, there exists happiness. In a world of regret, there exists promise. 


And in a world of pain, there exists rage.
 

The read-headed girl smiled at the young Aldon. Adorned in simple farmer's clothes, with the background as such: a crop of corn and wheat. It was a beautiful sunny day out. Birds chirped, as the breeze passed by, all the while, Aldon looked at the happy-go-little girl. She was a child, and he loved her as family. She was family to him. A little sister, from when he was adopted and brought in as family to her mother and father. 

"Come on! get up sleepyhead. Let's play!" she said, as her smile widened, bringing the sun up higher as it did. Aldon looked up at her clothed body, in a small, rosic dress. It was a light pink with deep red roses adorned on in a spectacle. It was her favorite dress, and she wore it whenever she could. It made her happy. Aldon had a family, and his family had a son. He was happy. 

Her crimson eyes dawned on Aldon a second time as his head got up from under the shade, as their german shepard ran around in circles waiting to join in the fun. It was a peaceful day, and Aldon would enjoy it for sure.

"Alice, what do you want to play?" the young voice asked.

"I don't know. You're the smart one silly." Aldon lightly blushed as he rubbed the back of his head. 

"I'm not that smart," He gave a full-hearted smile in return, "how about you come up with the game?"

"Ok!" She said, chuckling and pacing with her small, innocent hands on her chin. "Let me think."

Aldon and the german shepherd waited in anticipation. "How about Hide and Seek?" Alice asked. 

"Ok, that sounds fun. Are you up for it boy?" Aldon asked the dog, to which it wagged it's tail in hope they would start sooner. "I think he's up for it." Before he could finish his thoughts, Alice began to run off, yelling back to them.

"Ok, count to thirty, and don't peek!" She finished off with a practical scream as she ran. Aldon and the pup of a dog turned around and seemingly counted, the dog's tail still wagging. He was happy. The guilt-stricken man was a boy and he was happy. He would trade everything to have that life. As they counted down, the world got darker and darker. The tree grew larger and larger as forest spread around him. Laughter; maniacal laughter sprouted as figures stood up. The scar on the man's face revealing his happy face. 

"Hello boy." The man was adorned in holy robes, with a book of the gods in his hands. His lackeys adorned similar fashion, but held no book, and no equal intimidation. The scar on his left eye gave proof to that.

"What's going on? Where am I?" the small boy asked. The dog began to bark as it summoned up on its protective powers. One of the men, with the robe head on, adorned a knife, opting to stab the dog, silencing its barking with a yelp of pain. The man gave a hearty, rich laugh. 

"The little pup just didn't seem to want to be quiet. I think it understands now though." The group, which continued to increase in number began to laugh in unison. 

The boy ran over to his small companion, who had a look of mortal pain. "No. It'll be alright boy. Please, don't go." Aldon was shaking, tears running down his face. His world turned for the worse, when the dog crumbled in his hands, dust floating in the winds as again the scenery changed. It was his house, and Alice stood in front, her back turned, facing the closed door. Aldon had tears streaming down his face as he looked to his adoptive sister; his family. 

He got up and ran to her, which is when she disappeared and he heard a scream from the inside. He slowly opened the doors, only to be crushed to bits. His heart was about to implode, while his mind was going to explode. His mother, his father, they were lined in the back of the living room against a wall adjacent to the kitchen. Their bodies were mutilated, and destroyed. It only got worse as he looked in front of their corpses: Pumpkin, the pumpkin loving german shepherd. His companion, his friend, and his pal. His head laid on the floor, giving into his fate of slow death. Aldon slowly moved to the dying dog, holding the pup in his grasp. It was exhausted just breathing as his eyes looked into the boys. Aldon's tears multiplied, and the dog's died, as it too lost life. It was dead in his grasp. 

Laughter outside. He lifelessly got up to see something that broke the final cord. His sister was pinned up to a tree, tears streaming down her face, as her jugular was cut open. The men around her were raping her dead body, revelling in it. Aldon fell to the ground on his knees, looking at the tree, and into his sister's eyes as they glared at him. Her face of fear, horror and sadness. The smile was gone and replaced with death. 

A man turned around, "oh look, he came to us. This makes things easier. Come on boys." They all slowly descended onto him, with their weapons held in two. daggers, and books of the gods, all of them. However, out of the corner of everyone's eyes a shadowed figure disappeared as the scene went on.

His final cord was broken, and the emotion was released. "Let me take over. Let it flow. The one emotion you can count on. Let them suffer as you have suffered. Engage your fury! Release your RAGE!"   

Aldon practically leapt out of the bed in the basement. Looking over the room. He had cold sweat all over him, and with the valves unlocked, tears flowed down his eyes. He did not even wish them so, but in fact, the tears were flowing, and the river wouldn't be stopped by any dam. 





Hammerhoof was awoken, and stirred by a sound he knew very well: tears, and fear. He directed his gaze at the human across the barrack's room. The concealed man moped, and let the water works run. He was in a mix of emotions, ones that Hammerhoof knew, and some he still hadn't experienced in his life. However, the man was his subordinate, and it was his job to help him through the job, giving him pointers and advice. 

He was also a friend. They might have just met, but Aldon was one of the only creatures to know suffering like Hammerhoof. The Changeling hordes for Hammerhoof, and the Gods for Aldon. He slowly got up off of the bed and approached the sobbing, wrecked husk of a man, weeping for the nightmares to stop. 

"It's better just to embrace them sometimes." Aldon looked up to see his pal looking at him, compassion in his eyes. "I know what it's like to experience pain," Hammerhoof moved to sit down next to Aldon on his bed, giving a friendly rub on his knee. 

"I was helpless," Aldon said, "I couldn't do anything to stop them!" He began to slowly scream to himself. "Her face; Alice, I'm so sorry!" His tears continued, "Mom! Dad! I'm so sorry!" He continued, opting to place all four on the floor and slam the concrete ground. He slammed it, and gave all of his grief to it; all of his sorrow; and his punches only increased; all of his hatred; and all of his rage. The concrete began to crack, bending to the man's will as he continued to pummel it in anger. 

"They took them away from me!" He said, as the ground shook. Hammerhoof began to rub the enraged man's back. "I couldn't even stop them! They laughed at their deaths. They couldn't even let her body be in peace," Aldon shuttered. "They had to take her innocence away, even in death." 

Hammerhoof was struck with memories of the past. He experienced the pain too. Everything he had just said, was rolling in Hammerhoove's head. Hammerhoof's wife. His son, and his baby girl. All earth ponies, who held a quiet, peaceful life in Canterlot. They were happy, and content with living poor, if only to enjoy eachother's company. They didn't want money, or wealth. Not even a good job or anything, but just a happy life. A life of love, happiness and shared experiences. Their little cottage was dwarfed by the rest of the city. They were mocked, bullied and even trampled on by the nobles there. They didn't care though; Hammerhoof didn't care, because they had each other. 

Then they came; the demons in the sky and on the ground. The scourge of the earth came and took it all away. Hammerhoof couldn't do anything. The changelings held him down, while they extracted the sustenance from his family. Then, with no mercy, they were slaughtered in front of his eyes, swords through their guts, and daggers in their jugulars. In the last second though, they all had a smile on their face. 

"Don't blame it on yourself," The pink mare said, "please survive, for me!" She said, as the life faded from her eyes. Hammerhoof was surrounded by grief, and then the changelings decided he was next. But his wife's words, and their memories would live on. His last chord snapped as well. Ponies always said, Earth Ponies were inferior, without any suitable advantage, but Hammerhoof felt one. A changeling dropped his sword, as it moved in to hold the pony down. "Keep our memories alive!" His wife echoed in his head. Without hesitation, he upheld the sword and slew them all. Their bodies littered the street. After that day, no one ever commented on him again. Not the nobles, not the unicorns, not even the princesses themselves. He was given a job as a royal guard as compensation for his protection of Canterlot. For saving innocents from Changelings, but all he did was listen to his mind, and seek vengeance against the scourge. By the end of that day, he was the feared one, and the Changelings were prey, running from the sight of him, with sword in hoof, and red in his eyes. 

Hammerhoof explained this all to Aldon, eventually calming the madness down. He said it as a story, and his water works broke loose too. "My wife asked me never to blame it on myself. But, I was there, and I didn't stop it," Hammerhoof bluntly said. "I loved her; I loved my wife, my son, and even my little girl. They couldn't even spare a child, as they used it for their own sick games." 

Aldon still wept, but instead of alone, they wept together, letting loose the memories of their pasts. Hammerhoof no longer gave Aldon any mind as a subordinate, or a soldier, but a friend. Someone who's experienced the same pain, the same grief, and the same anger. He was more than a friend to Hammerhoof now; he was a brother, and the feeling was mutual. 

That night, bonds were formed, as pony and man formed brotherhood through stained pasts. 

	

	

	

	
	
> Chapter 12- Enemies Rise. The Woods Bring Disaster.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Brothers of different species were cradled together, dried tears smeared on their faces. It was way past their original wake up hours, but still they continued to rest, with their bonds recently formed. They sat upright on the bed, asleep, but still yet awake. Their suffering was indeed unending, but it would come to pass as a similar figure tapped her hooves down the stairs, gasping at the sight. 

The caring mare laid her eyes on the sight, of the brothers newly formed. They both awoke from slumber, peering onto the sight in front of them, smiling at her presence. Fluttershy returned in kind, waving her hoof. "I wanted to ask if you were alright. The both of you." The both of them slowly got up, popping joints and cracking bones into alignment. Giving pats on the others back, even though the difference in sight. 

"We're alright lassy. We just had a late night discussion and dozed off." Hammerhoof waved her off, trying to direct her gaze from the odd situation she saw them in. 

"Hello Fluttershy," Aldon waved, adorning a larger smile at a friend. 

"Hello, Aldon. It--uh might be intrusive of me, but what exact kind of discussion were you two having to oversleep so late? I thought you were supposed to be out by dawn." It just dawned on them, they missed their patrolling shifts. Aldon looked at the pony, who gave a light smile and waved it off. 

"As much as it pains me to know I missed a patrol, Ponyville isn't destroyed or in danger, so I think it's fair to say we won't be tried for treason." Aldon gave a light chuckle to that, to which Hammerhoof joined in. The pony's comment even gave Fluttershy a light chuckle from her mouth. 

"Also, Fluttershy," Aldon's face bore seriousness as the words, "we discussed some of our pasts. It seems, Hammerfhoof adorns a similar one to mine. As a brother should." Hammerhoof gave a hearty laugh to that. 

"Similar Pasts? Wait, Brothers!" Fluttershy asked, flustered by the information. "What do you mean brothers, like brothers in law or?" Aldon waved his hand to the mare. 

"No, brothers in blood. What we shared is something that gave us mutual understanding for us to become unrelated brothers. Like an adoptive family." Fluttershy understood, they became such good friends, they were truly brothers at the point. 

"Well, as much as I liked sharing my thoughts, we should probably get out there now, and at least get some work in for the day. Damn, I have a headache though." Hammerhoof rubbed his head in irritated agony. 

"Wait, why did you come here Fluttershy?" Aldon asked, also lightly rubbing his head.

"Oh, well, I just wanted to make sure you two were alright. Plus, I wanted to ask if you would like to visit my cottage. And perhaps see Snuggles' new health." Aldon nodded, but her comment brought up a thought in his mind. 

He had forgotten about Hard Hat and Caring Heart. The two who he had saved, and were badly injured. He at least wanted to see if they were alright. "I'll go after I run my patrol." 

"No, no, no. You can go, I've got it covered." Hammerhoof banged a hoof on Aldon's back, urging him to accept the offer. 

"No, I should at least earn my pay," Hammerhoof shook his head to Aldon's comment, opting to be stubborn. 

"I may be old, but I think I can handle a little patrol around a relatively peaceful town. You go have fun, and maybe connect a little." Hammerhoof gave a devious smile to the end of it, giving Fluttershy a light blush, and Aldon slight irritation. He would have to square that off with Hammerhoof later. 

"Alright, well then, Fluttershy," Aldon said, directing the gaze at the mare, "lead the way then. Cause, I have no idea how to get there," Aldon said truthfully, getting a face-hoof from Hammerhoof, who was getting up some light gear for the patrol. 





"So, how did you enjoy the gift I gave you? I never got to ask." Fluttershy, draped her wings down as they continued to walk, Aldon leading way to the hospital to check on the two ponies he had saved. Whispers were still made, while idle chatter between Fluttershy and Aldon was continued. 

While talk of the 'monster' was flown throughout Ponyville, the alley besides their walk was inhabited by two shadowy figures, one of a pony's figure, and one of a sapients. 

"Don't presume to command me you wench!" The pony-like figure in cover of cloak said. "You may have informed me of the prize, but you will have no spoils in it." The other cloaked figure simply stood still, with a neutral stance. "I may have been removed from Canterlot, but don't think of me as weak. I will control that beast, and use him to my advantage."

"Apologies, your majesty, but I am simply a messenger from my affiliates. I gather the strength of this land to take down the animal before you. He is tasked to appease my masters in blood and sport. All we ask is that you use him in such a manner." The pony-cloaked figure nodded, giving cause to the other's words. 

"I saw him take down my enemies in a fit of rage. I will use it to swipe them away and claim my dominion over all of Equestria, and all of the ponies. I shall not fail a second time, with him as my servant." She looked to the vial the other being had open to her through the sleeves of the cloak. 

"Use this, and he will be enthralled into your words. He will become your servant indefinitely, but be warned. He is the most dangerous of creatures on your world and ours. It should be understood, that treating him like a slave will award you with your death. The potion merely masks your intention as righteous and just. However, it can only go so far, and if you see fit to overuse it, he will catch wind of it and bring your oblivion, and perhaps all of the planet's with it." The pony figure nodded under the hood. 

"Why do you do this?" The pony-figure asked. 

"My masters merely wish to indulge in simple sport, as I have said."

"And what kind of creatures are your masters?" 

"That is not something I can openly discuss, but understand that the tide of darkness shall rise. Expect allied acquaintances to join your cause of the destruction of Equestria." The pony figure was confused by the words, but heeded them as the other figure began to walk away. "Make sure to use him at his pivotal of peace. When he is on the highest pedestal; take him down from it and strip him of his peace, and he will bring chaos and destruction to your cause. Use the potion as instructed for the best effect."

The pony figure nodded, as the other figure held a malicious and devious smile under his gaze. He whispered as he walked away, "all shall be under the game of our gods. Even those we task to start them." With that, the villain vanished, disappearing as the pony figure deemed it time to vacate as well, taking up guise as a simply Ponyvillian. 



 

The hospital approached in a grand way, just as big as Aldon remembered it. His friends were still housed there as long as he knew, and he wished to greet them in good fashion. Fluttershy besides him, was there on his request to go, and to also give sympathies to the two ponies. They slowly entered the complex, with ponies eyeing the two curiously and some with malice. 

Fluttershy observed how they saw Aldon, apprehensive to bring up the subject, and showing some fear in her body. Aldon noticed and understood the situation, eyeing the ponies that were eyeing him, making them back off immediately, as most didn't want a fight. some, to Aldon's amazement held their eyes, thinking of themselves as tough as steel; there was only one pony though: Hammerhoof. 

"It's fine Fluttershy. I've gotten used to them staring at me like that. They do it because they show fear. As long as I have some people to talk to, it won't bother me in the least. People hating me has been a part of my life for as long as I've known it, and if you want to disassociate with me because of it, it's completely fine if you do so." Aldon stopped, as Fluttershy considered her answer. In Ponyville, associating with a reject or freak usually doesn't go well, but Fluttershy couldn't just abandon the man, considering she was given such a wonderful gift of both the flames and his friendship. She would never abandon a friend, even in tough times. So, she shook her head. 

"You're my friend. You may not think it so, but we are friends Aldon. I do not abandon my friends, "she said in a stern, yet caring voice, shocking Aldon to awe of her. 

"For the timid one, you surely step up first when trouble comes your way," Aldon said, giving Fluttershy a light blush, to which Aldon lightly chuckled. 

"Well, friends are important to me, and all of the other girls. You might not think it, but you're all of their friends, and even the princesses. Friendship is formed quickly in this world for some." They were both in the lobby, walking towards the front desk. An Earth pony, sporting a white coat, with a red cross mark, and a light pink mane with a nurse's cap stood there.

A nurse Redheart greeted them, smiling at Fluttershy, while having some reserve towards Aldon, from which he still ignored. "Hello, Ms. Fluttershy, Mr. Aldon." They both nodded, Fluttershy more happy about it. "So what brings you two here?" 

"Ms. Redheart, I wish to see Caring Heart and Hard Hat." Nurse redheart stared at them, giving hesitation on the next question, while other ponies around them heard it giving snyde comments. 

"Do they associate with a monster?" They asked. 

"Wasn't he the one who attacked them?" Another pony asked. 

"Did they help him hurt those ponies?" Another asked, which set off Aldon. He could understand being insulted, but to insult others, especially injured ponies, who couldn't defend themselves irritated him beyond belief. 

Aldon turned around to face the leers and gazes, a look of irritation on his face, where one of his eyes showed a tint of red. The ponies, a mix of all different types, colors, shades, and genders, slowly began to back away, as Aldon slowly approached them. Fluttershy and nurse Redheart were holding onto his arms in clear distress, urging him to stop. But Aldon continued to march his way towards the fleeing ponies. 

"The monster's going to kill us!" One of them yelled, and they all ran out, fleeing for their lives. 

"Help! Please, somepony stop him!" Another mare yelled, who was a unicorn by the sound of it. 

Aldon was almost at the door, as he regained control, letting the palm of his hand crack with the pressure, sending nurse Redheart into a tantrum afterwards. 

"Why would you do that?" She yelled and scolded the man, who loomed over all of the ponies. He took it as a scolding from a mother to a child. Fluttershy still tried to calm the nurse down, while outside chaos erupted. 

A threat, familiar to Ponyville, but still dangerous walked its way to the town. A hulking figure, huge to the ponies, but small to the species. A threat that would dawn in an apocalypse on the town, in flames and fire. A mighty dragon, intent on its destruction trudged its way towards the peaceful ponyville. With a final guise, it gave a mighty bellowing howl of ferocity. It towered over structures, able to crush them in a fell swoop. Not the largest, but the dragon was huge to the small structures of the town. It hed black scales, and purple-tinted eyes, with blind rage in it. 

The three of them heard it: the mighty beast roar. 





"A dragon," Fluttershy said blinded in fear and confusion. "A big one. We have to evacuate the town." She ran outside to see it looming in the distance, letting loose a torrents of flames. Aldon slowly followed her out, looking in direction, almost staring. 

That's when all at once, Rainbow Dash, Twilight and Rarity rushed behind them, in a frantic scurry. A purple dragon accompanied them as well. A dragon Aldon hadn't met, but his gaze rested on the giant man, who bore his eyes into the distance as Fluttershy turned around. 



"Fluttershy!" Twilight looked behind her, "we have to--"

"Yes, I know. That dragon is coming. We've got to get everypony out!" The three mares nodded, while Spike continued to stare. 

"Spike. Spike!" Twilight yelled to the young purple dragon. He was brung out of his trance.

"Yes Twilight?" He asked, slightly shaking from the dragon's presence in the distance. 

"Send this letter to the princesses. We might need some help with this." Twilight handed the small dragon the scroll, which was burst into green flames and vanished. 

"I can help distract it with my moves. I can try to slow it down," Rainbow said, gearing up for flight. Fluttershy bravely stood next to her, from which Rainbow nodded to the timid mare, with Fluttershy nodding back.

"Girls, we need to help the evacuation. The dragon is coming, and there are still too many ponies in the town." The two pegasi slowly nodded their heads to Twilight's words, but then Rainbow Dash looked behind her. 

"Where is the big guy going?" Rainbow asked. 

Rarity turned her attention to the man, who was walking away, towards the dragon, while all of the ponies fled in the other way, screaming in a frenzied panic. "Aldon dear!" Rarity yelled, "where are you going?" 

The girls stood dumbfounded, while Aldon turned his head, a red tint in his left, scarred eye, "Help the ponies evacuate. Get them out!" 

Twilight turned to the front and took a few steps forward, "what about you though? You're not going to face that thing are you?" she asked. 

"He's crazy," Rainbow Dash blindly stated. Aldon turned his head around, continuing to slowly walk towards the looming threat. 

"He doesn't even have his magic to fight with," Twilight said in disbelief. 

Fluttershy walked in front of the mares, gaining their attention, "please, the least we can do is help the evacuation. We can help him when that's done. Until then, let's get everypony out." The four of them nodded, with Spike readdressing his attention to the man one last times, while fireballs and barrages of flame began to descend on the town. 

"We have to help everypony until the Princesses arrive," Twilight said. Rarity, while beginning to gallop in the other direction, turned her gaze one last time to the man. 

"Don't die," she whispered, to which all of the mares said in their heads. 
> Chapter 13- Evacuate the Town. The Dragon Approaches.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Fire rained from above as the town was bombarded by the closing threat. Ponies frantically, and frenzified ran for their lives, pushing others aside, and calling for everypony to run. Aldon, however, was walking in the opposite direction, towards the threat; towards the looming disaster of the dragon. 

Ponies gave glares of fear towards the man as they ran, but Aldon paid no mind to them as they did it. He simply continued to walk in the direction of the coming storm. His fists held in a clenched ball of anger. His left eye was indeed a red tint, while his right eye still held faint traces of blue. The scar on his left eye seemingly pulsated as he moved, and he could feel his blood boil. He gave wry smile as he continued to stare down the dragon in the distance. 

The air around Aldon fluctuated as he moved, a seeming heat wave appearing around him, bending all available light, which was slowly being blocked out by the destruction taking place around him. The fire raining from the sky destroyed buildings from left to right, the same as long range artillery of modern day war, nothing was untouched. Ponies, Fillies and Foals all ran, with the parents carrying their kids on their backs. Aldon looked around to make sure all of them were fine as could be, andn ot in any danger. 

"Somepony HELP!" A mother in need said while ponies ran by. Her child, the same as her mother, was a azure blue, with pink eyes and a purple mane. The young one cried while holding a hoof of a pony being crushed under a nearby building. The tops were slowly being burnt to a crisp as it creeped to the bottom, where the earth pony was being crushed. Said earth, pony, opposite the unicorns of the two females, was a light shade of green, with blue eyes and a trimmed red mane. An odd couple, but the tears in their eyes held true as Aldon approached them. 

The mother cried out ot the ponies who gave quick glances and continued to run. None of them, save a few who treid in vain, let the pony to be crushed and burned alive. The little filly was holding the hoof of her father with increasing pressure. Tears ran down her eyes as the mother continued to shout for help. 

"Daddy!" the little filly said, as the father tried to give a nestle. "Please. Don't go!" She said, as her father tried to get them to leave. "I don't want to leave you. Daddy, I love you," the filly said, as she gave a hug to the exposed head of the pony. 

"Please, Hunny take her and go," the pony pleaded, as some of the gathered ponies tried to lift up the rubble in vain. The mare looked into her husband's eyes and continued to cry her eyes out, but slowly reached for the filly. 

"No! Mommy please!" she screamed as the mother brought her up. "What about Daddy?" She asked, tears pouring down as the flames did from the sky. 

"Miss, we can't," A larger earth pony in the shade of brown and black said while struggling to pick the wood up, "it's too heavy." The other ponies, similar in size, but varying in color from red to purple, continued to try in unison only in vain as every time it only lifted an inch and wouldn't budge any further. 

"Mira!" The trapped pony shouted, drawing the mare's attention. "GO!" He shouted, as she slowly nodded her head in complete disbelief and slowly began to run away. 

"DADDY!" The filly yelled, as she was carried past Aldon, both giving glares to the man, and continuing on, screaming their heads of in sadness. 

Aldon approached the ponies, who were all dwarfed by him, as the pony pleaded with the others to go as well. "Please, just help my wife and child. Leave me and help them please," the pony pleaded. "It's too heavy. Trust me I would know," he said trying to jab in a joke. 

"The others might be cowards and pass by, but we won't let you die," one said, pissing out the words as he continued to struggle to lift up the destroyed burnable material in vain. The trapped pony shook his head. 

"Please go! You're just going to get yourselves killed." The ponies shook their heads, until Aldon loomed over them and they looked back in awe and horror. 

"The monster," one of them whispered. Aldon at that point, put one hand under the rubble, gripping a sturdy, everlasting piece. The Ponies saw it in his eyes, the mix of emotions. His right eye was the form of kind thoughts, while the left were the emotions of darkness. However, to truly experience life, one must have both. 

"Not even all of us could lift it, he couldn't possibly do it." Another whispered as Aldon slowly continued to tighten his grip on the object. His back bent over, and the pony staring up at the man in the same spectacle of manner as the others: awe and horror. 

Aldon knew, that anything judged by actions not words. Intelligence merely gave the impression that they could judge by the other, but everything in the world and cosmos identified enemy, ally, monster, savior, angel, devil by actions, not by words. So with renewed vigor and pulsating emotion, he lifted up the rubble, to his full height, bringing everything on top of the rubble with it, then with a mighty yell, clamoured a leap of strength to chuck the rubble completely over, removing the pony from constraint permanently. 

The ponies looked at the man, who stood tall, and unscathed by harsh words, then directed his mixed gaze at the ponies, revealing his pulsating scars and veins; almost seemingly brimming with power and strength. The grounded pony slowly rose up to his feet, struggling to stand, but slowly moved out as the others moved to support him. 

"Evacuate the city," Aldon said devoid of any expressions or emotions. The ponies all slowly nodded, walking away from the fire and wreckage of the previously standing house. The dragon was closer, as Aldon observed it from his eyes. It was nearly on top of the city, with just a few more steps to go. 

A single pony standing before it ahead of Aldon, a pony he knew all too well. His friend Hammerhoof.



 

"Everypony! This way!" Twilight yelled to the fleeing ponies, while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash overlooked the skies for injured ponies to assist or ponies who would be trapped under buildings. 

Ponies screamed and whizzed by, as Twilight and Rarity secured falling flames by blasting them away with their magic. Pinkie Pie and Applejack, who had come after meeting up with the other girls, were assisting injured ponies to the edge of the city. 

"Twilight!" Rarity yelled in the chaos, "when are the guards going to be here? And the princesses?" 

"I don't know Rarity, but we need to focus on evacuating Ponyville before focusing on the dragon." Rarity nodded, pouring more power into her horn and magic. Twilight did the same, as the intensity of fireballs increased on their barriers. 

While Twilight was continuing on the barrier, Rainbow Dash flew by at full speed, going to assist a pony under some light wreckage, as Fluttershy zoomed by as well. The two mares landed down by a structure, to help up an older earth pony, as he thanked the pegasi for their assistance, and even lead him to the evacuation site. 

"That big dragon spoiled my party cannon!" Pinkie yelled in a fit as she continued by Twilight, holding a burnt unicorn. The coat was unrecognizable with ashes and burn marks on the body, but they could still make out it was female by the weak feminine voice coming from her and the pleads to have her child again. 

Pinkie nodded her head, as Applejack held that very foal, walking by her and the son gave a hug to the mother, and despite her pain she smiled and let tears roll down her eyes. "Thank you so much!" She cried as they foal supported his mother the rest of the way out of the town, to safety. 

"Ah reckon that mother ill' be happy." Applejack turned back around with Pinkie to help another burn victim escape. 

Fluttershy flew by Twilight again, only to lie her attention on the princess. "Fluttershy!" Twilight called, "where is Rainbow Dash?" Twilight had lost sight of her friend as she went to their left, and disappeared into the destruction. 

"I don't know. She said about finding Scootaloo. But I thought they were at Apple Acres." Twilight continued to pour more power into the beam as she pondered the thought. Where was Rainbow Dash now. Was Scootaloo and the cutie mark crusaders in town. 

They noticed the countless amounts of non ponies fleeing last, and even the griffin and his family. He smiled at the mares while they smiled back as they moved on. Everyone moved to leave the scorching town by the dragon's deed. 

That's when it dawned on her, where was Spike? He was nowhere nearby. "Rarity?" The unicorn turned her attention to her friend, "do you know where Spike is?" Rarity's eyes widened as she realized it as well. 

"He's not here!" she seemingly gasped. "Where is my little Spikey-wikey?" Rarity began to turn her head frantically looking for the little dragon. He was indeed nowhere near as ponies continued to search. With Rainbow Dash gone, Fluttershy was their best hope at quickly finding the dragon. 

"Fluttershy!" Twilight called. The mare, helping a little pink filly to her parents, looked to Twilight. Fluttershy rushed to her friend's side. "Fluttershy, please can you go find Spike? I have no idea where he's gone." More fire rained from the sky, being shot down by Twilight and Rarity's magic. 

"Ok, I'll see if I can find him." Fluttershy flew off to look for the young dragon. The city was surely in panic as she flew. Charred earth, remains of ponies in ashes. And others still trying to escape by running on the main road out of the town. Fluttershy hated the mean dragon. Why did he want to attack the town and hurt everypony? 

And where was Spike? He didn't go towards the dragon did he? Fluttershy continued to search for the young dragon in the chaos, looking down streets, alleys, even near the castle of friendship, but he was nowhere. "Spike!" Fluttershy timidly yelled, looking at the immense dragon approaching. That's when she saw Spike in the distance, in the one place Fluttershy feared he would be. He was standing in front of the dragon, staring at it, while the dragon stared at Spike, and for a moment time froze as the carnage stopped and they bore into each other's eyes. Hammerhoof was behind the young drake, wanting to put a stop to the young one's actions. 

Time stood still as Fluttershy burst into speed that could almost rival Rainbow Dash to save Spike as the dragon had a claw raised into the air ready to pounce on the little guy. She gave it everything she had, but it wouldn't be enough, the descent was just too fast, and Spike was frozen in fear. What would she say to Twilight? She had let her beloved Spike get killed? He was her friend too, and she couldn't even save him. It made her tear up inside. The sadness swelled as his fate drew nearer. 

"Lad you need to move!" Hammerhoof screamed to the young dragon, however before he could finally strike down, a huge object struck the side of its head. The dragon slowly stumbled back, and Fluttershy picked Spike up in haste, doubling back to Twilight, confusion and happiness in her thoughts. However, she wanted ot know how the food cart struck the dragon at such a speed.





"I want daddy!" A filly screamed, walking by Twilight. "Mommy, why did he have to stay?" She asked with both of them having tears streaming down their faces. 

"Sweetie, daddy wanted us to be safe. He was trying to protect us." Then in the distance they could hear cheers and the two turned to look at the golden light approaching. 

The mare husband, and the filly's father. They both charged in unison. "Mira!" The earth pony yelled back, in joy of seeing his family. He was upheld by fellow ponies who tried to get him out. 

"Miru!" The wife yelled. While the small filly yelled Daddy. The ponies began to walk away from the love scene, but the mother and filly looked at the men with tears in their eyes. 

"Thank you!" she said, "thank you so much!" The ponies shook their heads. 

"Mira, they weren't the ones that saved me," this intrigued Twilight. "They couldn't lift the building's rubble, but that creature did it with a single hoof. He even threw it over the other side, allowing me to escape. He saved my life." Twilight couldn't help but smile. Her friend would be looked at as a hero for sure.

"Twilight!" Fluttershy yelled, "I found him!" she screamed. Spike was on Fluttershy's back, with fear and awe in his eyes, plastered in frozen emotions. 

"Spike!" Twilight and Fluttershy yelled, as Pinkie and Applejack also joined in. The mares rushed to Fluttershy's landing spot to make sure the dragon was fine, which he was. He was just startled and frozen in time from the event. That's when Rainbow Dash zoomed back, with heavy breathing. 

"Scootaloo is ok. She's at Sweet Apple Orchards," Rainbow said. Rarity shook her head. 

"Didn't you hear us when we said they were there?" Rarity asked. Rainbow Dash shook her head and lightly blushed. 

"Spike," Twilight called, which is when the dragon got out of his frozen face. 

"Yes Twilight?" He asked looking around, "wait was that real?" He asked. 

Fluttershy nodded, "yes, you were almost crushed." 

Twilight grabbed the dragon and started hit him with her hooves, "what were you thinking?" Twilight yelled. "You almost died! Why would you go towards the huge scary dragon? Spike I could have lost you!" Twilight said as she embraced the little dragon in a hug, "please don't do that again!" Spike meekly nodded. 

"I'm sorry Twilight," he said as he returned the embrace. 

"Girls, ah think all of the ponies are out. The town has been evacuated." Explosions sounded in the distance as the dragon roared. They all gasped at the image of the dragon being harmed so thoroughly as one of his wings had punctures and its chest looked like it caved in. To say the least, something was hurting it deeply as it howled, but equally so continued to regenerate, with its wings repairing themselves and chest popping back out. A fight was ensuing, and it wasn't between the princesses and the dragon. They were still on their way. 
> Chapter 14- Man vs Dragon. The Battle Ends?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Hammerhoof wondered on how the dragon was struck with the wagon, but it's gaze, while averted wouldn't stay that way for long. The titanic beast had its head cocked, but was slowly reeling it back to the correct position, glaring at the human who threw it from afar. A couple hundred feet away stood the man, who was glaring at the dragon, as the little purple pipsqueak was being carried away by Fluttershy. He was in a mild trance as Aldon caught glance of him, and Fluttershy of the man. 

Hammerhoof took the opportunity to plan an attack on the dragon; a hit and run array of attacks. The wagging tail at the back of the beast was open as the dragon refocused, beckoning on who threw the cart at him. Hammerhoof had to give a hearty laugh as he realized a food cart was thrown at a dragon. How it wasn't burned down in the rain of fire, he had no idea, but either way it seemed to work effectively and as intended. Hammerhoof began his hit and run, charging with his steel encrusted hooves, made to break bones with ease. 

While Hammerhoof wasn't the fastest pony, he could easily outpower almost any of them. Ever since the changelings came and he experienced the pain, he found new strength in destroying foes and vanquishing enemies. The only ponies to possibly have the same strength as Hammerhoof were the regal sisters, but even so, that would be on a good day. He didn't question it, but simply embraced it as he charged at the dragon's tail. As he closed in he readied his hit and run engagement, stopping for brief seconds, winding up his back legs, letting loose a cannon shot, and then gunning it away from the tail as the dragon gave a howl of pain. 

"Yeah, come and get me you lazy lizard!" Hammerhoof yelled, which got the beast's attention. "Ah, did I hurt your feelings?" Hammerhoof laughed as the dragon grinded his teeth. 

"You little insect! I'll crush you like a bug!" And with that the dragon uprooted his legs and began a savage game of whack a mole, but with the mole moving at relatively high speeds, and it retaliating. Every time the dragon crashed down his legged and missed, Hammerhoof gave another buck to the leg. After three to four more, the dragon gave more power, but with it accidentally got his leg momentarily stuck in the ground. 

The frontal right leg was indeed stuck, and Hammerhoof had his opening in all its glory. With another great buck, this time giving it everything, he struck the leg, busting off scales and sending the dragon roaring in pain. "You ponies! I'll kill you all. Starting with you! I'll burn you alive!" 

The dragon proceeded to level his head towards Hammerhoof and inhale deeply. The pony didn't need to think twice and began evasive maneuvers. The dragon spewed forth fire, which luckily the pony evaded by hiding behind the leg he had just injured, making the fire ineffective. 

"You talk big, but you can't even handle me. You're a weakling." Hammerhoof gave another whack on the unarmored skin, causing the dragon to further vent up pain. "You've hurt countless ponies with your little rampage. As a guard of this peaceful town, I must bring you to justice!" Hammerhoof yelled, giving buck after buck to the exposed tissue, giving the dragon more and more to pain to feel. 

"You little ponies think you're so great," the dragon had enough as a claw from behind the ranting pony came to flick him, causing him to fly into a nearby building. "You do everything as you please, and expect the world to bow to you," the dragon glared at the recovering pony, "but understand that I don't bow to your kind. And when you hurt my family!" The dragon bellowed, "I'll hurt all of yours!" The dragon let loose a mighty roar and charged into the building Hammerhoof was recovering against, flames burning off the top. 

The pony with the sword cutie mark couldn't even hear the sentence as the dragon sent a huge spiral of flames to Hammerhoof. It spiralled into a fast assaulting beam hurled towards the pony. Hammerhoof bit his lips and broke into a full sprint to the left, barely avoiding the beam of flames. The dragon screeched in anger as Hammerhoof looked to see what happened. 

"I know this dragon," Aldon said as scales fell off of the nearest of the dragon's legs: the backward left leg. 

The dragon gave a hearty laugh, "So, you have been damned to this world as well?" The dragon asked, looking at the man, as he rubbed off the pain Aldon had just given him. However, the scales were growing back at a fine pace to match the output of Aldon's strike. "The great demon of our world," the dragon chuckled. "The overseer of the gods, who see fit to toy with you." 

"They did the same to me human." The dragon ceased his tensions as Aldon bore his eyes at the dragon. "I can't recall the last time I saw one of your kind. Perhaps when I was back on our original world. I was transported here about a century ago, when I was still a drake. Since then, I've had a child with this world's dragons. These damned ponies though, in all their hubris, similar to the humans, have decided to take her away from me." Hammerhoof's eyes widened. 

"What do you mean by taken?" The pony asked. 

"Exactly that, they took my precious daughter. Inciting that they would sell her to the highest bidder." Hammerhoof didn't understand this though. 

"Didn't you try to stop them?" Aldon asked, crossing his arms. The dragon shook his head. Aldon also couldn't quite remember where he had seen the dragon. What the beast had done, and to whom. He belonged to someone. 

"They poisoned my food. And while I was succumbed to it, they took my child. She gave out screeches of pain as they skipped away with her." The dragon crushed the ground with his clawed feet, venting up in false anger. 

"What is your name?" Aldon asked, not convinced by the story. 

"Here they call me Firestorm, but I suppose on our world they would call me God of Fire, Sun Crusher." The dragon gave an eerie smile as Aldon's left eye twitched at the name. 

"What's the matter pal?" Hammerhoof started to move towards Aldon when the sky was blocked out until Hammerhoof saw the dragon coming down on him with one of his feet. Hammerhoof had no time to react as it came down, until the weight suddenly stopped descending, and the dragon's face contorted into amazement and absent praise. 

"Very impressive. I remember when you were just a small boy, but to think you could be so strong." The dragon continued to place more pressure as Aldon struggled holding it up with his strength, using his whole body in the endeavour, kneeling down for more support. 

"Why--did you attack this village?" Aldon asked, grunting as the weight increased and Hammerhoof continued to idly look at the man. The dragon laughed, but then put on the same pouting and angered face as before. 

"They took my child, as I said before." Aldon's face twitched in anger as he slowly got up and threw the foot and weight off of him, sending the dragon stumbling back. "Much stronger; so much so," Sun Crusher marvelled. 

Hammerhoof was slightly confused until he heard a similar noise that anyone would know: a cry for help. He looked in all directions, while the glares of the two creatures continued on, and they continued to press each other. 

Hammerhoof turned to his left and began to run as the audibility of the cries increased, and sobbings could be heard. While he put a decent amount of distance between the dragon and himself, the beast could easily still observe him. The pony was within his peripheral range, and all Sun Crusher had to do was send a splash of fire to end the little thing, but he decided to toy with the human for longer. 

"I've heard of your great feats. How you've defeated countless amounts of weak vampires, or even a drake once or twice." The dragon gave a hearty laugh as he watched the man's brows tighten and tension increase. "My master has told me as well," the dragon finished as the beast got his head down to Aldon's level. He whispered to the man, "you protect these ponies? You may think they will accept you, but understand that as in the other world, everyone will look at you as a demon. An unwanted swine of the world. They will seek your destruction and take everything from you. Do you wish to be made into more of a plaything?" the dragon asked. 

"The ponies, while some have it in their heart to harm and hurt others, some accept me. Some even befriend me. Ponies, just like humans are not all bad. There is humanity in these creatures, and you assume they have none." The dragon rose his head and gave a groan. 

"So you're still weak I see. They will never see you as anything more than a freak and monster. Deep down you know it too." 





Hammerhoof looked around further, gaining a warmer feeling on the cries as he approached more wreckage of a burning house, until he heard the cries of a filly and colt. A brother and sister trapped under burning debris. Hammerhoof could see them squirming to try and get out, crying for help, and crying for their mother and father. 

Hammerhoof wondered where the parents were until they saw them dead on the outside near his peripheral vision, looking to be rushing over to their kids. A simple earth pony family. Similarly to their parents, the kids had opposite hair and mane: Yellow and Orange. The mother had a coat of gold and a light orange mane, while the father had the opposite. The foal and filly followed in unison to their respective gender parent. The mother had a cutie mark of a heart with an arrow through it, while the father had a picture of a stand with some bits surrounding it. 

The two hugged each other and cried for help, from which they saw Hammerhoof. He smiled and eased his way over observing what he could do. Beams draped over them and could collapse at any moment, but there was an opening, that if opened a bit more would allow them to slip out. 

"Ok, here's what i'm going to need you two to do," the two looked at the pony, tears still slipping down their eyes, "I'm going to slowly lift this beam here," Hammerhoof pointed to the beam overlooking the small hole, "and when its up I want you two to slip out. Do you two understand?" He asked as began to slowly walk to the particular beam and got into position. The two ponies nodded lightly as they also got into positions to rush out of the 'made-larger' hole. 

"Ok, here I go," he said as he slowly inched himself under the particular beam, squatting and then slowly lifting it until he stood, allowing the two to slip out, "ok now!" he lightly yelled to the two. 

The two kids complied and began to slip out of the wreckage going by Hammerhoof as he struggled to keep the weight up fully. As anticipated the insides of their small haven in the wreckage began to collapse as he had the beam lifted, but luckily the two were out before anything fell on them. The two shook as they clinged to each other. Not letting go of the hug. The filly, looking to be the older one looked to Hammerhoof. 

In a kind and sweet little voice she practically whispered, "thank you." Hammerhoof nodded as the structure collapsed fully and the small space died out. 

"You're quite welcome, but your uh--" Before he could finish it, the young colt rushed over hysterically to the two bodies shaking the cut ponies viciously praying for them to get up. The sister slowly walked over to the brother and placed her hoof on the brother, shaking her head as she clearly saw that their parents had lost too much blood and were gone from the world. The atmosphere got tense as Hammerhoof felt compassion for the two. However, they needed to leave incase more danger was to come. 

That's when he heard the ruffling of flame blast going to the two children. The sister turned to horror as it creeped further, and Hammerhoof didn't make it as it overtook them and consumed them. 





Aldon saw it. The dragon twisted his head to the scene of the two ponies lamenting over their fallen parents. "Sick little things. Perhaps I should put them out of their misery," as he finished the dragon etched his head over towards the ponies and lined up the shot. Aldon pumped his blood as he realized what was going to happen and went into overdrive towards the ponies. They were exposed and flammable if lit on fire. The dragon gathered up the power in his mouth in the form of a beautiful yet terrifying cascade of the lighter colors of the sun. His mouth was full of them, and within seconds released a powerful flame blast towards the little ponies. 

Aldon cracked the ground beneath his weight as he gave one last stride to push back wind behind him and intercepted the shot, placing himself firmly in front of the two before the blast could hit. 

He took the brunt of it, and skin burned from his flesh. Skin oozed off, muscle was exposed and bone could be seen on some parts. Very light layers of skin remained on some parts of the body as he looked on to the dragon who laughed at the man's predicament. His clothes were burned and flew off into the ashes, his hair burned to a crisp, giving him a practically bald look. His body knelt down, while he panted with his lungs dying from the heat coursing in his body. The necklace still remained around his cooked flesh. 

"This is what happens," Sun Crusher ushered, "they hold you down. Now look at you; you're practically dead and for what? Saving two despicable lives. You're so utterly weak sometimes I swear." Aldon coughed and held ringing in his fried ears. He couldn't concentrate as his vision blurred. He could hear muffled noises from the ponies behind him and his pal as he rushed over to the keeling Aldon. Before he finally became completely immobilized and slightly blacked out, he witnessed a flash of light and distinct pony like figures go into his blurry vision. Almost all of them also rushed to his side as his eyes finally shut. 

	
> Chapter 15- Regal Sisters Arrive. Dragon Scales Too Strong.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Everyone spawned into the scene. Celestia, Luna, Cadance, the Mane Six, Shining Armor, tons of guards. Right in front of the scene that just occurred. Cadance the princess of love and leader of the Crystal Empire stood next to her husband, Twilight's older brother, Shining Armor. They looked at the destruction that had occurred, and took a glaring look at the destroyed bodies of ponies, with ashes flying into the sky. Including that, the two kids' parents were also in that predicament as the fire blast had sent the bodies into ashes. 

They flowed away into the sky as the rest of smoke did so as well, creating a sun-blocking effect on Ponyville, blocking out view of everything in the sky but black darkness. The only light provided was the fires lit up on burning houses. The light dissipated as the scene continued. 

Hammerhoof rushed over to the fallen man's body, while some guards looked to evacuate the filly and colt. Although, they had to use force as the two both erupted into sadness and anger at the realization that their parents were gone both mentally and physically now. They wouldn't even be able to have a proper funeral for their parents. 

Celestia, filled up with hateful emotion kept her emotions in check while looking at one of the guards escorting them away; she nodded and looked to the two little ponies. 

"I'm so sorry," Celestia said, a small tear rolling down her eyes. Celestia saw the broken chords in the two children as they were forced away. All sensible thought was removed as emotions swept over; they had learned the feeling of loss, the feeling of abandonment, and above all, the feeling of loneliness. 

The Mane Six followed suit with Hammerhoof and also scurried to the man's body, which sizzled and smoked to the core. Celestia looked at the burns marks on the pavement and came to realization, also with her sister, that the man had protected the two children from being burnt alive. He gave his life to save ponies, who for all intensive purposes would never remember him besides being the town's monster; however would a monster truly risk his or her life for animals that only view them as such? To hold humanity and kindness to risk the one thing that everything values above all else: life. 

Fluttershy rushed to feel fro a pulse, among the degrading skin and scorched hunk of flesh. 

Tears welled up in her eyes as she slowly shook her head, "he's gone," she slowly worded out to everyone. Silence ensued, with Luna continuing to vent up in rage at the culprit who then made his move. 

"He was a weak man, and you ponies are even weaker; he sacrificed himself for useless ponies. And Sun Butt and Moon face were just a little too late," he playfully laughed along, brining a joyful tear to his eye. "And you, the little bugger who was his friend," Hammerhoof looked up to the dragon as he said this, while everyone else also looked on, "you believed for a few seconds I came here for a valid reason didn't you. To avenge my daughter and to bring her back?" Hammerhoof just stared on, feeling vented up anger at the beast's next words. 

"I never came here for a daughter, which I don't have; I came here to get rid of pesky little ponies like yourself. You're all scum of the earth--" Before he could finish a powerful blast hit his core, sending him back a few feet as everyone looked to see Luna charging up another blast. 

"You have killed our subjects and ruined this town! You have killed our friend and humiliated another, and you have rid ponies of their only family!" Her voice began to boom, "We will kill you!" and with that the canterlot voice boomed over the town, momentarily removing the darkness from the sky. Everyone found purpose to the princess's words and lined up to execute them, all having stern angry faces on them. Fluttershy especially held a vengeful face. 





Aldon, adorned in battle armor stood in darkness, addressing a creature he held dear as a recently made friend. The Demon known as Deus Occidere. He was a monstrous beast of unimaginable power. He has helped to fuel Aldon since his birth and has served as a loyal friend recently instead of fueling rage has sought to tune it to specific targets. He has left the plane of the living before gods were born, but he is perhaps the most fearsome of looking creatures. He dwarfs the largest of Dragons. Flames adorn his head's king-like thorns. He has a dragon's skull mixed with a human's features in demon skin. A mix of three horrors and monsters. He holds a mighty tail to stabilize his massive bipedal form; however that is all when he feels like being normal. For reasons sake he takes on the form of a demonized human when conversing with Aldon. Simple blood tattoos and body flames are what he has in that friendly form and he uses it to properly converse with his friend. The demon Deus Occidere is in fact scared of Aldon. He may be the most fearsome demon, but Aldon is the most powerful. 

"Hello Aldon," the demon said while giving a light smile. A change of face from the battle hardened chanting one Aldon knew from his previous life. 

"Hello Deus, it's been a while to say the least." The demon nodded, creating two seats for the two to sit on. 

"You seem to have injured yourself quite badly," The demon said as the two sat down while a makeshift television screen of magic spawned in front of the two seats. On the screen it showed a third-person perspective of his lifeless body; everything occurring around him. 

"I believe the correct words are, I am dead." The demon lightly chuckled to that. 

"Oh yes, I suppose that is true. Although I could say otherwise. You realize you were not meant to die. That necklace prevented you from releasing your power and allowing my presence, but since your body is no longer in a vitalitial state, I am allowed to exist and speak to you." 

"Even if I wanted to, I could not take off that piece of jewelry. It was like it was attached to my skin and would refuse to budge of come off."

"Well, it is perhaps all up to them then," the demon said, leaving a trail of tension in the silence of the magical screen before them. The ponies all attacking the dragon while it sequentially takes them down one by one, as it practically impervious, however the princesses all putting up the greatest fight, with the Mane Six close behind. Aldon even saw a ferocious side of Fluttershy he thought was almost impossible. 

"So, what should I do now then?" Aldon asked the demon, who enjoyed the fighting between the two forces. 

"Well that's up to you; you're technically still alive, but that necklace needs to be removed. Additionally you could just pass onto the realm of the dead. I was there a few times, but it wasn't for me. A lot of old timers there, who didn't take kindly to me."

"Well, I can't really do anything until one of them takes it off, or it gets destroyed then?" 

"Pretty much," the demon replied. "I can't believe they had something like that; to deny you your powers completely." 

"Well no, my dragon's blood still acted accordingly, although that's not really magical at all. It was the only thing that gave me the strength to take that beast on. I can't remember though, but I think I remember that dragon." Aldon pondered on his vacant chin. The battle continued to rage on, with Luna leading the charge with ferocity and apparent rage for harm to her subjects. Aldon was definitely mad at the beast and his cowardly ways, but it was beyond his power now. 

The demon thought to himself, pondering on the possibility of Aldon to break out on his own; he would also have to break the news eventually. Perhaps for the greater good it was best to do it then. 

"I have something to discuss with you," the tension in the room rose exponentially as the demon spoke his next words. "When you departed from that world they all died," the demon said, gaining the attention of the man. 

"Her own brother killed them. I--I couldn't even save them I suppose. My death served as nothing--" Aldon began to rant in anger as emotions set in. His friends all perished? He couldn't stop their deaths. They all died in vain of his mandatory sacrifice. At least they could've been spared, or have escaped, but he was even denied that when he was stripped of ever seeing them again. 

"Not just your friends Aldon; 'Everyone' died." The demon's words sunk in and Aldon learned of the truth. 



 

All of the ponies had managed to push the dragon out of the city into the field, granting them more maneuverability, and less continued damage to the town and any inhabitants still trapped there. Hundreds of ponies were now on assault against the dragon, making sure to keep it down and under constant attack. Pegasi from the skies bombarded it with spears and launched projectiles. Earth Ponies held the defense for Unicorns who led the main barrage against the beast. The Mane Six and the Princesses acted on their own terms engaging the beast directly and gaining its main attention. 

"Keep firing everypony!" Shining Armor shouted to the ponies, "we will take down this beast and take vengeance against all it has done!" The ponies all chanted as more bolts struck into the beast who gain strength through pain. The princesses had started to notice it, but thought it was simple adrenaline and hysterical strength kicking in as a creature was surrounded and out of options, but in fact it was something different. Each time the scales were removed they grew back stronger and more durable, while the beast's magical fire continued to spew and at greater and greater rates. 

"You're all such little pests," the dragon roared as more scales oozed off from the high-powered magical beams from unicorns groups, while debris was being hailed on the open spots. 

"You hurt the ponies of this town; our subjects!" Celestia roared back, teaming up with Luna to provide an additional blast to the dragon, yet still slightly increasing his growing strength. 

"Your subjects Sun Butt? Aren't they your sisters too, or wait, I think I remember what happened!" The dragon played off, irritating the two and bringing Luna to an even higher tension towards the beast. 

"Thou shalt be struck from these lands you cur!" Luna ramped up for a close and personal attack as she launched off as a jet on an aircraft carrier towards the dragon, with Rainbow Dash joining her by her. As a duo they both gave a mighty kick to the dragon's scales ignoring any pain they might've gotten only to relish in the creatures wincing as scales shed off to reveal vulnerable hided skin. 

The dragon swatted more and more pegasi out of the skies by maneuvering its wings and striking them with mighty slaps to their bodies, sending them in showers to the ground, or so he would think as they were caught before impact by fellow brethren. Pinkie Pie and Applejack were literally striking scales off at the beast's legs just as Hammerhoof did, but when in unison a larger area was affected and even more damage dealt, however the more the dragon took, the stronger it became. How would one crush suns? To pulverize them into oblivion?

You wouldn't do it in the frontal assault, you would do it in a slithery, cunning way, such as stealing its power. That in fact is what the dragon was doing. 

Pegasi slowly began to fall from the skies as the ponies realized their mistake. All of the magic they used to bombard and damage the beast was simply fueling it and making it stronger. Like Tirek, it stole energy from others, however the dragon didn't seek out to destroy all life so in effect no one could sense the energy it was taking until all realized they were drained too quickly for it to be normal. 

Sweat began to beat down the unicorns brows, with panting ensuing. Shining Armor too, along with Princess Cadance began to feel the effects. After the couple, Twilight did as well, followed by all of the Pegasi, who landed out of exhaustion. Afterwards, Rarity and Rainbow Dash could be seen supporting each other up. Even the Earth Ponies began to succumb to the draining effects of the beast. 

"So, the insects finally learn do they?" The dragon laughs to it and watches as the two princesses, too drowning to their own exhaustion, struggle to stay up. "To destroy suns, you must not go on a direct approach," the beast stated, "but attack from within at the core. To steal its energy and make it your own, just as I have done to all of you." As if struck with blades, all of the ponies were barely able to stand as it continued. Some prematurely began to faint from lack of magical power to keep them awake. Slowly one by one, the unicorns began to suffer the forced sleep as they collapsed to the ground in exhaustion and had their eyes forcefully closed. 

"What have you done?" Luna screamed, slightly coughing from combined exhaustion and pain from the lack of magic. 

"Sister, I am so sorry, I couldn't even sense it until it was almost too late. He's been sapping us dry this whole time," Celestia stated, in the same state as Luna. 

The Mane six all gathered, trying to support each other from falling unconscious. Applejack spoke first within the group, "Ah can't believe, he's just like Lord Tirek," the apple mare stated. 

"No, Tirek wanted to destroy everypony and steal all of the magic of Equestria, this dragon isn't doing it at all." Twilight's words sunk into all of the mare's skulls. 

"So what do we do?" Fluttershy asked, still enraged at the beast, but lacking complete energy to do much but barely stand as more of it was taken away. 

"Yeah, that fiend ruined my shop!" The designer screamed lowly, lacking energy to do much else, "also look at everypony else and the town. Twilight dear, do you know what we can do?"

"I would say use the Elements," Rainbow chimed in.

"I would too Rainbow, but we don't have them right now," Twilight stated. Pinkie, surprisingly was silent, which would shock all of the ponies if not for the situation. 

"I think something big is coming," the party pony stated. Of course, if something was then everypony would know, but the ponies simply surmised that the dragon was going to rain with more chaos and destruction. 

"Why would you do all of this?" Celestia boomed, still heavily enraged and angered at the beast's actions, which gave her renewed strength.

"Cadance!" Shining armor cried as the princess of love fell unconscious, with Shining Armor following. 

"Why would I do this?" The dragon asked himself, "I suppose it's fun to destroy insects. To see them scurry in fear and pop under my feet." The sadistic dragon boomed with laughter. He was truly a monster. However, all of his words were heard by everyone of the town as they had gathered around the beast at a safe, but still meaningful distance, all shocked at the scene of all of the ponies exhausted and mostly beaten. 

Hammerhoof began to walk towards the crowd shocked. He was away tending to his friend, and removing his 'dog-tag-alike,' or the necklace. He rushed over to the two princesses, "your majesties!" He moved to support both of them, each on one side. They nodded in thanks to the help. 

"What's happened? I was tending to Aldon's body and took this off to remember him by," showing the magical necklace.

"He's drained us Hammerhoof," Celestia said, as Hammerhoof could begin to feel his strength waver as well, but stood strong. 

In the crowd, Spike cried for Twilight, with Owlicious on his back. All the ponies cried out in a mix of emotions at the dragon and their princesses. They wanted them to keep fighting and to defeat the dragon. 



"Everypony please!" one pony called out. "Don't give up!" 

"Princess!" The ponies seemingly called out to Celestia, "don't give up! That beast needs to pay," another bystander yelled. However, as much as their encouragement brought fuel to their cause, there was no oxygen to bring it to life as the princesses and all of the remaining ponies awake were no match for the beast's draining powers. 

"I think after I'm done with all of you," the dragon began, "I'll play with your subjects. Maybe use them as toothpicks. I'm sure you would appreciate me putting them to good use," the dragon said. The ponies had seemingly lost. Their gods, the regal sisters had underestimated the beast before them and in fact have lost; all of the ponies had lost to the beast's abilities and strength. Celestia felt not only ashamed, but guilty for what she thought was going to occur. 

"Actually, I think I'll start now. My teeth need a good cleaning," the dragon said as he began to walk towards the crowd, with all of them going in panic and beginning to run and scurry, until a booming voice was heard; a mighty roar from the town. The dragon stopped in his walk to look towards it, having his pupils slightly dilate back as another of the roars were heard. 



 

Minutes Earlier in Ponyville; Near Aldon's body.

Aldon's body laid limp as Hammerhoof looked over his friend. "You sacrificed yourself for inconsiderate louts and then saved these children," the pony said. He looked at the defeated flesh which was his breathing friend a little while ago. Blasts were heard from the field outside the town. Spikes of fire and ash paraded in the direction of the battle. 

"I promise, that you won't be remembered as a monster," the pony said. "But as a hero." Hammerhoof had felt loss before, and after feeling it in the most savage way, it rarely makes one cry, but Hammerhoof did have a small tear fall for his comrade's death. He saw the encrusted necklace, "I think I'll use this as a momento. Something to remember you by. You won't mind will you?" Hammerhoof asked. 

"You're a good sport with things," the pony spoke to no one, "I'm sure the princesses wouldn't mind erecting a statue for you; after all, you did save a lot of ponies. Don't worry though, if not I'll make sure cadets in the royal guard remember your name. In fact every soldier will, as an example of what to do as one. To save ponies' lives even in sacrifice of your own." Hammerhoof slowly got up.

"You will be remembered brother," the pony stated as he began to walk away with the necklace in his hooves. "You will be remembered as a hero." 





Another roar thundered in the sky as everyone stopped dead in their tracks. For the true battle was coming on the horizon.

"So, you've finally come out then," Sun Crusher whispered to himself. 

"Sister, what do you think--" Luna started to ask as Celestia simply thought to herself. 

"The necklace; Is he still among us? Or is it something else entirely?" 

	
> Chapter 16- The Final Chord is Broken. The Seal is Removed.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	One would think that after suffering that one would simply give up. After destruction and death one would stay down to watch the fight to a conclusion. To stare from the sidelines in a lifeless body; in the void of death itself. When everything is lost, is there anything to return to? When the truth comes out, do you shy away or embrace it? If you are presented opportunity, do you take vengeance or give forgiveness? Do you take up the shackles of a name or embrace its meaning and let it flow? Do you perhaps let your life lay still and allow your enemy to wake, or do you take up sword and shield, magic and might, power and vengeance, anger and rage, and strike him down? 

When you are presented with choices, there is often consequences. Aldon, the man who has held a life longer than most understood this as he gazed into his own soul for an answer. A soul of torture, suffering, greed filled lies, deceit at the hands of nobility, slavery in abundance, power in the hands of few, powerlessness, and most of all lost love. He had lost a family before, as perhaps the only one he could call it so. Of course for them, he couldn't exact revenge for. To know that forever he would know that they died in vain and all because he was powerless in the face of power itself. 

However, when presented with a chance to gain revenge would he take it? Would he unshackle his soul and let it loose? Unbound the animal in himself and let it roam free? Let it tear enemy limb from limb and then bask in its blood? Would he let his persona stand true, as a monster and something to fear? 

He had to chuckle at himself. Life was never kind to the man. Either let them die with no peace, or let himself be presented as the very thing that his friends don't wish of him to be. However to Aldon, the choice was clear as the necklace came off. The bonds to his hate and the shackles to his rage were taken off. 



"What will you do then?" The demon asked in the void. "Will you let them die, and let the beast live, or will you fight as the very thing everyone calls you?" 

Aldon had learned the truth. He remembered the dragon sound and clear. In days past he was the dragon Lily had bonded with as a child, only to leave her without a goodbye. He was also the one to end her life. To end all of his friends' lives. 

"I am merely here to guide you now. I may have been against you in the past, but understand that I have felt your pain and your suffering. Just as I am a part of you, you are a part of me. I have given you all I have before. You merely have to undo the key to set it loose." 

Aldon had the power bestowed upon at first on that day. To slaughter those who had taken everything from him, except for the one man who took the most; he had managed to slip away from grasp. Afterwards he was introduced to Deus Occidere, the demon all gods feared and the one who felt Aldon had suffered enough in life at the whims of the gods. The demon learned to fear Aldon's power, and even gave him all of his own to fuel the fire. The demon saw Aldon as he would see no other: a friend. He felt every bit of pain Aldon felt; every emotion,every memory as if his own. 

"He parades around as the victim. He has taken the lives of loved ones. He has even taken the lives of innocents right before my eyes. And yet he couldn't even spare their lives when I was gone? I was destroyed and he had to toy with me more; they had to toy with me and kill all I held dear? And now he seeks to destroy everything I touch, see and smell?" Aldon clenched his fist as tears rolled down his eyes and fire erupted in the void. 

"He talks about me being toyed with by the ponies, yet he has lied, and taken everything from me! I--I'll kill him!" The fire began to erupt around the void as Aldon's body contorted on the outside, erupting into a hellfire of flames and vengeance. The sun would pale in comparison in beauty and 'fear-striking,' as Aldon's body turned from the man to the demon. "He acts as they all do! He thinks nothing of consequence will happen to him because he is a god! A deity as a dragon! An arrogant god will be put in his place. He has taken everything from me!" Aldon screamed as his body's flesh gave way to reinforced scales of black and red. Thorns popped out of dragon-like head, while he grew even larger. Encompassing a ten feet height and flames rolling down his body. His eyes turned from the gentle blue to the violent, rageful red. His feet and hands turned to serrated claws and formed muscular scales. All hair was gone as he felt fire rush over him. His mouth, that of a draconic demon spewed fire at every breath and held teeth to rival a lion. His muscular frame doubled in size as he grew a tail to encompass the huge weight and to balance. Although as spike grew out of the back, with a dark red flame as a cherry on the top, it was more than just balance. 

His flesh held the scars of the past. Flames spewed over the countless formed spikes on the monster's back. Flames also began to emit from the creature's eyes. Not enough to tell unless close enough, but still there to cover over the rageful red eyes. Aldon held his body out in full length, gazing up into the sky. His demonic form etching fear into all. His arms stuck out in a hug towards the sky, while his tail arched back almost touching the creature as Aldon continued to stare into the sky. 

"I will deliver him from his cloud in the sky, to the fires below. To a world of suffering. Death will come after he's suffered as I have and as all others who have suffered due to him. He will learn pain!" Aldon stated as the body slowly stood in position, cracking the pavement below and sending dirt and debris away as the winds gathered around the flaming demon. "I will deliver death to the god called Sun Crusher!" Aldon roared into the heavens, signalling not only his return, but the ensuing battle to come. 

A Demon vs a Dragon. A Rage vs a Dragon. A Monster vs a Dragon. 





Sun Crusher stood arrogant and proud of his victory against the ponies. That roar only gave him rise for more pride to come. He would defeat anything that would stop him from having slaves to toy with. He had run out recently, and wished to secure more, but decided that why not? let's take everyone. 

"A beast to fight changes nothing," Sun Crusher announced, "you all belong to me!" he bellowed as he continued his march towards the shaking populace of Ponyville. However, even he knew the power he felt. The power of an unstoppable monster. 

While they were distracted, and energy was seemingly flowing back into ponies, albeit at a extremely slow pace, Celestia and Luna stood and engaged their plan while the dragon had his back turned. 

"Sister now!" Celestia yelled, gaining not only all of the ponies' attentions, but also the attention of the enemy as he turned around, although it was too late as the two formed mighty respected circles below them. Luna held a firm Moon like symbol below, while Celestia held that of the sun in brilliant opposing colors. Midnight Blue for Luna and Noon Yellow for Celestia. They clashed as the spells combined and formed into a regal white directed at the enemy. 

"May the Moon!" Luna yelled. While Celestia yelled at the same time. 

"May the Sun!" 

"Curse you!" they both yelled together. 

"TO OBLIVION!" They screamed as a white beam rushed towards the dragon and his pupils dilated to that of fear. 

The dragon roared in pain as his skin melted and did become oblivion, incinerating into floating ash, flowing into the created wind storm from the blast. Everyone took cover as the shock wave crushed over everyone, sending many toppling to the ground for cover, with their appendages covering their faces. As the shock wave died, so did the scream of pain from the dragon. What was left was the front of the dragon, appearing unscathed by the blast, until one would look at the back, seeing bone exposed and even organs in the open. Blood oozed to the floor, creating an ocean of the red sticky substance for all to see. 

The dragon wheezed from the blast, but slowly began to laugh at the ponies, sending the princesses into shock as they collapsed from magical exhaustion from the move. They were very close, as his heart was exposed: the weakness to all dragons and the only way to effectively kill one, however it was soon covered up as rapid regeneration took place. 

"Foolish little sisters. You were actually very close," the dragon said wincing in pain as he turned, revealing his cranium to be blasted open as well. "But that was everything you had wasn't it?" The dragon gave a sinister laugh. 

Everyone stood in shock and both Princesses held guilt: they had left everyone down. It was meant to end the beast before it could do harm, yet they hadn't been able to finish him. Although they noticed a big difference, his regeneration was slowing, yet still much faster than any other pre recorded dragon to be seen using it. It was unnaturally fast as wounds closed in clear sight and the once annihilated section of the dragon came back in storm. 

"Everypony!" Princess Celestia announced, gaining everyone's attention. "Run!" She yelled. As she finished all of the inhabitants had teary eyes as the beast approached. 

"You shall be my first toothpicks princesses. You will serve as an example." The dragon slowly descended towards the princesses who stood tall towards their fates. 

The maine six looked over in complete shock. The princesses were about to be eaten by the beast. Time slowed to a crawl as the enemy lowered his head closer and closer, while his mouth opened to reveal huge and ferocious blood stained and slightly cracked teeth to the princesses. The crowd in the meantime, continued to look over in complete horror for their princesses. 

Rarity held a hoof to her mouth, whispering out, "oh no." The main six all held similarly 'shocked-in-horror' expressions. They all recited what Rarity said with her, except for Twilight who gave a glare at the beast who was about to take a practical mother away. 

Twilight did have a mother, who she loved indeed, but to her, Celestia was very well one. Even more so for the motherly attitude she's had for Twilight. She has taught her of many life lessons, and even put Twilight to strike out on her own and to learn on her own. To embrace friendship and kindness. But right before her eyes, the very pony was going to be killed, and with exhausted magic, she couldn't seem to do anything about it. 

The dragon's face seemed to have a smile as he did it too, only pissing off Rainbow Dash more. She had her hooves clenched, if it was possible, and held anger in her eyes. It was as though she had betrayed her friends. For everyone it was like they had betrayed the princesses. 

Stomping could be heard to be coming closer to the engagement as the dragon paid no mind to it, but before they were enveloped in their cripplingly exhausted state, smoky fog rolled into the battlefield, covering it up until the sky. But everyone knew it was neither forecasted, and could also not happen naturally. The princesses held confusion at their situation until out of the corner of Luna's eyes, she could see two bloodshot red eyes peering through the fog; almost like a mechanical red light, but organic as it gave a leer of utter anger to the beast in front of them. 

Without his knowing, Sun Crusher experienced another blast sending him crashing to the ground in the fog. The blast in question came to him in the form of a laser alike fire blast, slamming into the dragon and incinerating his top skin, to which he squirmed on the ground in pain. Through the fog, a dark voice rung. As deep as a dragon, and as scary as that of a demon. With each word a continuous breath, from a somewhat large creature could be heard, but somehow enhanced as it spoke; it only increased the intimidation factor as it bellowed its words. 

"You bastard!" Sun crusher yelled, "I just had my skin redone!" 

"Sun Crusher," the creature said back, having stomps echo to the fact it was approaching. Every word paused for emphasis, "today, you--will--pay!" 





5 minutes earlier.

Aldon looked around in his new body. The environment was torn apart by his transformation; one he wished he didn't need to use. The Avatar of Vengeance. However, all thoughts of doubt, guilt, and regret were erased from his mind as images, those which fuel him, flooding his view. Through the fiery eyes of the monster he inhabited, tears descended on the ground and vaporized on contact as he saw the images fade away. Memories of his friends and their great experiences. He could remember throwing a surprise party for Lily, to see her almost cry for joy. The party was one of friends through all sort of meetings. No annoying nobles, or ball or anything to disturb the time they had. Of course the formal birthday was another day, but only friends of the Queen were there, giving her reason for the tears. She never had an informal party before it. 

Another time when he sparred with the dwarf. Both of them went all out, to destroy the battle area. The soldiers watching could only fearfully chuckle at the match, some even shaking in their boots. Aldon and Serven though, only had fun as they continued on putting the pressure. They both used their pain and suffering to fuel training and their power. Some would call it dark, but they simply called it fun. Those born from violence, seemingly revelled in it, and the two were no different. As the fighting continued, it got to immeasurable heights, with both of them at their max, until Heather came in to end it in the only way she could; battling. Then it was a free for all as we all lashed out at each other, each holding their ground. Although Heather was struggling, her ferocity ultimately won her the battle. Of course, Aldon never used his transformation, as it put too much stress on him, reminding him of past events and tragic upbringings. Every tragic photo or array of scenes would pop up in one. 

Another such time is when they first came to truly know each other. Escelva and Aldon had a mutual relationship of neutrality, with Escelva only training Aldon to control his magic very limitedly. Although, after a battle to determine their fate, from which they were forced to work together, they bonded as brother and sister. Escelva had lost much just like Aldon. She even lightened up to the dwarf, who inevitably held feelings for the woman. It was a relationship they both shared eventually, and up until the death of Aldon, it had gone strong. They could've had a happy family, and settled down. Been together as husband and wife. Raise a few kids and enjoy a peaceful life, but of course, just like everything Aldon touches, it was taken away. The beast smiled as the images flashed away, only to reveal their corpses.  

He would never see Lilly again, and dreams were shattered without any second thought. And even then, he couldn't leave him alone. Sun Crusher had to continue on his quest from his leaders to strip Aldon of joy and slight happiness. Even if it only a small fraction, he had to strip it away. He wanted the dragon to pay, and pay in blood and battle. To suffer as he has suffered because of the dragon. To suffer as the ponies, who had no reason to be attacked have suffered. To correct the tragedy that happened that day and to remove an arrogant god from the world. The beast smiled as the images flashed away, only to reveal their corpses. 

He began to maneuver his heavy body to the battle, sensing impending danger, he turned a corner. What he saw was the princesses about to be eaten. Sun Crusher was smiling and revelling in it. The main six were all horrified, and Twilight had tears running down her face. He felt compassion for the pony. To have someone close stripped away, or at least that's what appeared would happen. Aldon, however, had different plans as he let the water around him steam away, and buildings burned to a crisp as he moved, the flames being mouses in comparison to his lion of heat as buildings turned to ash and a smoky fog moved towards the group. Right before Sun Crusher could finish the job, Aldon let the anger swell up inside of him and let it loose towards his enemy, in the form of a 'laser-like' beam of fire, sending the dragon toppling back and squirming on the ground. 

The dragon yelled out something that Aldon couldn't care less about as his eyes lit up in anger as he spoke the next words with fear following them; "Sun Crusher," he addressed, "today, you--will--pay." 





Hope revitalized as the princesses stood shocked as the demonic beast approached. The body of a demonic dragon. It held the power of a dragon, with the structure, build, and terror of a demon. The anger and rage of the one they knew as Aldon inhabited the beast. As it approached, it took them all in, gazing at all of the unconscious and dead ponies, seeing a few he had never seen, but looked to the ones he did and simply stared trying to get a message across. 

"Celestia, Luna," The demon addressed, gaining their attention from the shock, and also destroying the shock of everyone else in the fog who could see him. "Get everyone away," he said.

"Who art thou? And why do you think you can command us?" Luna asked, to which the creature approached closer, revealing heavy scales, demonic flesh and intimidating, flaming horns. Its eyes bore into the princess of the night, until it shook its head.

"Please Luna, do this so that no one will die. Take all of the unconscious away." Luna contemplated trusting the demon, while Celestia was still lost in thought. 

"We shall heed your words, but we are not finished discussing. We wish to know how you know of us and we not of you." The demon slowly noded as Luna turned to her sister. 

"Sister," she started, still having Celestia in deep thought. "Sister," she tried again, a little louder; still nothing. 

"Sister!" Luna yelled, funaly gaining the princeses attention. 

"Oh, yes. Everypony!" She yelled to the one conscious in the fog, namely a few scattered guards and the main six, "please, we need to move everypony who is unable to fight!" 

The main six all nodded to each other as they looked to the unconscious unicorns and pegasi. While the princesses were exhausted, the dragon couldn't seem to hold onto their power as it returned, even giving consciousness to some of the downed ponies as they looked around, and some seemingly ran from the new demonic creature present. 

"Everypony run!" A newly conscious pony screamed, "demon!" Aldon had to laugh at this, as while they would stand and fight a dragon, they would run from a thing like him. Although, he did look scarier, with the flames and structure with it. 

"You little thing," Sun Crusher spat as he slowly got up, "you finally bare your teeth." Aldon turned his head to see the creature that dwarfed him by immense proportions. A giant to him, but Aldon held no fear, or any feelings of being intimidated. "Why would you stop me?" he asked, completely confused. 

"I put them all out of their misery." The dragon said, gaining a smirk as he talked. 



"They were simple cattle without a master. A chicken without a head. You should've seen their faces as I rid them of it. It was simply priceless." The dragon began to laugh on the memory, as the monster's body fell silent and unmoving, with darkness creeping over its face in front of the two princesses, who themselves, were appalled by the words coming out of the dragon's mouth. 

Everyone overheard the words, and looekd to the monster, who held a garb of darkness over his face, slowly scrunching up his clawed hands into a ball of anger. 

"That's just cruel," Rarity said while helping to move some of the still unconscious soldiers out of the way. Some of them. of course still held immense fear for the beast who had just entered the fray. 

"Ah would buck that dragon to the mountain if I could," Applejack said, holding anger in her honest voice. She however, held shocked eyes as well, as everything coming out of the dragon's mouth was true. 

"Sometimes I wondered why the gods kept saying they couldn't kill you?" The dragon asked, slowly walking to the unmoving beast. "They can take everything from you, yet not the life you hold?"

Aldon looked at the dragon, with his body carrying the darkness it held, as the air began to stop moving. Everything began to heat up. Magical pressure increased around everyone as they walked away, and even too did the princesses as they looked at the fight about to ensue. 

"I'll kill you." The angered demon voiced, as air began to burn and fire was summoned in its open palms. "You took them!" It screamed as it leapt to the dragons face, faster than most could see. The dragon's eyes dilated, but the same smiling face met the demon's eyes as burning fists of crimson red met with it. 

The dragon stifled back, as some of its scaled oozed off. "Now we're getting somewhere," the dragon said, as he could feel the demon's energy feeding into him. "This power, it's so magnificent. It's so wonderful. It fills my tummy and makes me hunger for more," he thought out loud as the dragon's scales regenerated back and the demon landed on the ground with a slow levitation at the end. 

The demon roared as it charged the dragon, slamming into the dragon's chest, sending him toppling over and the fog dissipating letting the town view it with their own eyes. The dragon seemed to get bored with the formalities and began to fight back as both unleashed a fire beam at each other meeting with a clash in the center. A hurricane spawned at the center, as winds pushed everyone back and made some shield their eyes as wreckage, and foliage went flying. 

"This is so exhilarating," the dragon sounded, as he pushed the demon back. The demon was losing, as the dragon continued to gain power from it. 

"That thing rushes in with no thought. Sister, how shall we handle this?" Luna asked her sister. 

"Let them battle it out Luna." Celestia stated, gaining confusion, but eventual affirmation from her. 

"Give me more power!" The dragon yelled, as it continued to beat the demon back with his blast, to the point where it was baring down on it. The demon wailed and angered pained cries. "Aww, are you already dead? What a pity." Sun Crusher finished his blast, revealing a demon writhing on the ground in pain. 

"You can never win," The dragon stated nonchalantly as he slowly approached the demon, to place his foot and begin to crush it out of existence. "Once I'm done, I will rid this world of happiness too. They will all serve me or die," the dragon cooed as it continued to apply pressure on Aldon's demonic body. 

"How...?" the demon asked aloud, to which the dragon maniacally smiled and bellowed in laughter. The demon tried to push the weight of the dragon off. 

"You failed them," the dragon started, getting further spark out of the demon as it continued to push with more strength. Celestia began to see the anger swelling in the beast; more than anger. "You failed your friends, you failed everyone here, and you even failed that little red head," the dragon stopped. The dragon looked at the reaction as the demon began to churn under him. He got the reaction as more power flooded into Sun Crusher, giving him a wonderful feeling of power itself. The demon was his play thing to do with what he wanted. Everything on the planet was; they were all his toys, but the demon just turned out to be the best at the moment. His favorite. 

"I watched it all," the dragon said, gleaming with a wide grin. "It was so fun to watch her beg and plead for her life as they took it from her." He could feel the power increase and his enjoyment only increased with it. "You let her die," the dragon stated, as it still increased and the demon laid silent as before, gaining power through anger. 

"But to me it was very enjoyable. Like a play to watch, it gave me joy as they used her," the dragon's words left its scaly lips. Luna understood what the creature was now. The fire, the anger, the imposing and intimidating magic as the same man they had met in combat a week earlier. It was in fact Aldon being tortured by words and pain. 

"Sister, it is Sir Aldon," she said, still not gaining Celestia's attention. Celestia knew it was Aldon. Her sister had told her of the nightmare, and all of what had happened and she too had connected the dots, but she wished to see his reaction. She wanted to see his power. It was curiosity in the most base form, but it overtook her. 

Everyone reacted differently at the ongoing scene. Some with fear and intimidation, some with anger and yearning to destroy, and some with shock and sympathy. The main six all felt horrible, as Hammerhoof could only give compassion to the demon. His friend had to hear that all, and just like Hammerhoof, would have to go through life knowing he couldn't save them. But Hammerhoof wouldn't lose a brother. He just needed to spark his fire. To break his chord and let it loose. It wouldn't be pretty, but it would save everyone and give everyone satisfaction, including Aldon himself. 

"Brother," Hammerhoof yelled. The demon didn't move. "You might not have been able to help your friends, or your family," Hammerhoof yelled, as everyone paid attention to him, even Sun Crusher. "But, you can do something now!"

The princesses looked at the pony, who stood proud and tall for what he said. He knew what it was like to lose those close and not being able to stop it. However, while it did help, the next words were the ones to spark the dragons downfall. Sun Crusher would remove himself from the world.

"Even at her dying breath she gave you that smile, only to see you fail in life. And then my favorite part, they used her body for their own pleasures. Wasn't it beautiful?" The dragon asked, while sealing his own fate. 



The dragon's body began to overload itself with power. He began to choke on it as the demon launched Sun Crusher into the air with a swift push. The red eyes bled as flames burst forth from them. The body erupted in dark flames of red and black. The unstable flame showed itself as it coursed over his body. Winds circulated as everyone ducked for cover. Even the town's inhabitants, who stood a fair distance away, were being bombarded by heavy wind gusts and immeasurable magical pressure. Instead of just a feeling and guiding force, the magic was literally taking shape and almost forcing people to their knees. The ground in the vicinity of the demon burned and melted away, with barren, burnt soil in its place. Like a bubble, the area of complete anihilation was set and on the move.

"You want power?" The demon asked in renewed rageful vigor. "Let me show you power!" He yelled as the dragon began to come tumbling down, still choking on the power he was receiving. The demon let his arms fall back and his head go forward as his body contorted in bright colors from his stomach to his mouth, until a dark red beam, more powerful than before erupted. The flames burned into the dragon, sending scales oozing off, and pain screaming from Sun Crusher. He tried to shield himself, but his wings only got blown off in the process, shocking everyone as the dragon slowly crumbled to nothing. 

"Oh Celestia," Twilight lowly whispered to herself as she saw it. 

The dragon kneeled on the ground as the fire continued to pour onto him. A dragon's heat resistance was a thing of the past as everything melted; scales, then skin, and then muscles and finally bone and organs, until his entire chest was opened up and his beating heart was in sight. 

Everyone had clear sight to what happened next, as the dragon tumbled, coughing up blood, and with it flooding out of his body. "Wait, wait," the dragon began to plead as magical pressure flooded over him and regeneration ceased completely. He was powerless as he looekd to the monster in front of him. "Please stop!" The dragon pleaded. "I'm sorry!" he yelled afraid of death that was approaching. 

"You are nothing," the demon said, devoid of emotion and even darker than before. Aldon was gone inside of it, and replaced by his avatar of rage and violence. "I will put you out of your misery," the demon said, continuing to walk towards the fearful beast. Sun Crusher continued to plead as the demon got closer. "For your crimes," the demon slowly said, as he stood in front of the dying dragon, "you will die!" And with that the demon lunged his hands forward, pointing palms at the heart as with it, fire and destruction rained towards the life of Sun Crusher. 

Everyone cringed and looked away in horror, fear and shock as the dragon roared out for a minute, until he ceased, and a broken, battered, incinerated and burned body collapsed over. The mighty dragon, and attacker of Ponyville was defeated and the Demon stood there, emitting his magical energy. No one had ever seen a dragon be so utterly destroyed before, even the princesses. Its face was of complete shock and fear, eternally plastered on it. His innards were drained of blood, which flowed like an expanding ocean on the ground, and the inside looked like a well built home for an immense insect hive. Completely clean and burned to a crisp. 

There were no words to describe it, just shock and awe, but not in a way most would think of. That's when the magical pressure ended, and everyone felt the weight uplift. Simultaneously the demon collapsed onto one knee, and let out a mighty demonic screech before leaving and returning the bare, rather oddly clothed body of Aldon. 

Many questions would arise. As guard ponies began to move closer, from which all regained consciousness, the crowd simply stood flabbergasted and in an unmovable trance of shock. 

Celestia, and Luna were in a state of wonder, but also slight fear and paranoia. Indeed many questions would surface, and the man would never be looekd at as such, but only as that of the day: a demonic monster. 
	
> Chapter 17- Two Monsters Converse. 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The field laid barren with a huge outline of ovular grassless grasslands. It would return, but when the sea of blood and the ocean of hate disappeared with it. The battle had just ended, and instead of the demon who could slay gods, there lied a man who for all intensive purposes had just saved Ponyville. For better or for worse, the ponies would have to face the facts. The dragon on the other hand looked like something from Tartarus had come up and swallowed half its body and made sure to clean the insides. Blood continued to leak to the ground in wonderful waterfalls of magical powered liquid fire. The scorching winds which were mightier than anything seen in Ponyville had subsided and the peaceful calm and serene sun returned as the ashed clouds dispersed. The town was in shambles; lives were gone, never to be returned, while on top of that, some were in the very process of disappearing. However, no one dared to approach the demonic man any closer than within safe distance. The battle was like a crime scene, except there were no cops, yellow line, or any perimeter, but no one dared to cross the invisible fence all together. 

"Sister, to think that was what was inside of him the whole time." Luna stated, still shocked over the whole phenomena. At the same time, ponies could feel their full powers return, and all of their magic flushed back into them. In fact many were overcharged, with the power to kill gods. Luna and Celestia especially, felt more powerful than ever before. A small blast from Luna would result in mountains disappearing. Celestia's Canterlot Voice would decimate bodies in its wake. It was so strong it almost corrupted them to the core, but still they held firm; everyone did when they saw the man slowly stir. 

The ponies all began to slowly back away, with some of the other races standing firm; they knew of conflict more. Celestia however took the initiative, with Luna by her side. She walked in front of the massive encircling crowd, within the invisible crime scene and spoke to the people of Ponyville and her fellow Sun Guards, and Luna with her Night Guards. 

"My Little Ponies," Celestia began. "We, have won the day!" she shouted, gaining most to cheer, but some still to look down in sadness. 

"The beast has been vanquished!" Luna yelled alongside her sister. However, most still cringed at the sight of the immeasurable amount of blood and the huge, destroyed body of the previously attacking dragon. 

The main six, however, were staring at the slowly awakening man. Fluttershy especially showed concern, as she was the embodiment of kindness. Meanwhile, the princesses words did bring up light in the people. Even though dark deeds have been done, they were brought above them with simple words, but none could truly forget. Especially the family many had lost; but at the same time, many have gained new ones. Neighbors and friends became more through the struggle. 

"Everyone here are the victors," Celestia began. "There have been many who have sacrificed their lives," and with those words many hung low heads, "but with those sacrifices, many have been able to live on!" 

"We all need to be there for one another at this sad time. I will personally fund the reconstruction of the town, and ask that all of you help in it!" Celestia yelled. 

"But mark our words," Luna chimed in, "we will get to the bottom of why we were attacked." Everyone nodded, some in sadness and others in pride. Fluttershy was the first one to walk by and assist the man, who was struggling to stand, up. 

"Aldon!" Fluttershy yelled as he fell down to the floor and blood came up in a wave. 

"I'm fi--fine." He said slowly as he got up to stand. Everyone's eyes were dawned on him as he stood. Their saviour in monster's cloak. The princesses turned and addressed the man. 

"Let us give thanks," Celestia began, "thanks to the hero of Ponyville!" She yelled. Everyone cheered Aldon's name and gave him thanks. But instead of a smile, Aldon had an emotionless face and tears streaming down from his eyes as he looekd at the crowd. 

He gave whispers to himself, which Fluttershy could overhear, trying to support him, "I really did fail them." 

The princesses needed to give thanks, but also knew something needed to be done about the potential threat, and the next events gave them proper opportunity to do just that in private. Aldon blacked out and fell down without further energy to support himself. At that, everyone gasped as he laid on the ground once again. 





Canterlot Hospital

"So, how is his condition?" The princess of the night asked the head doctor. 

"Well your highness, he is in a comatose state." Luna shook her head and looked to the man in the same type of bead he was in when he arrived. The doctor was a unicorn stallion holding a cutie mark of a first aid kit. Pretty generic, and so he was just another egg head in the facility. 

"Uh, if you wouldn't mind, how exaclty did he save Ponyville?" The doctor asked. Luna had no reason to withhold his transformation, as it was for everyone to see. The battle was witnessed by so many ponies that it would spread like wildfire. And even the fact that Aldon was in Canterlot hospital was no secret as the pony press clamored for information outside. 

"It's a very interesting story to say the least. I'm not really sure myself and am here to ask him the specifics. Until then doctor, just go with the information already out there, because that's all we know too." Although, there was also a little hidden on the amount of blood in the fields; the dragon's blood. The doctor nodded and went to check for a few more things until quietly exiting the heavily guarded room, with Luna as its only occupant. "Yes, what exactly did you do Sir Aldon?" 

Meanwhile outside, Celestia was taking the heat of the press and instructing everyone to remain outside and clear of the hospital. Patients of Ponyville were being rushed in as well, but everyone had a very good questions to ask: what happened? And what was the demon?

"Everypony, please remain calm. We need everypony to remain outside. The hospital is currently dealing with too much to be further delayed by pestered questions to doctors and nurses." A guard adorned in golden armor gruffly stated that, while reporter ponies continued to hammer the questions, accusations and rumors to the princess standing beside the guard. Celestia didn't have much to say however. 

"My Little Ponies," Celestia stated walking forward, asserting both authority and motherly care, "please understand that even we don't know what transpired that well. We are waiting for Sir Aldon to awaken to gather more information. Currently he is resting and in recovery." And just then a guard stepped to her side and whispered into her ear. "It also appears that he may be in a coma, and may not be able to give answers for some time. For now, let us all give hope that our hero of Ponyville comes out just fine."

Celestia felt saddened by the news. The fact that the hero of Ponyville, and the man who saved so many of her ponies' lives was in a coma and was killed made her so sad. She felt as though she had failed the man. She truly did hope for a quick recovery, and wished to go inspect Aldon and see his state for herself. 

However, a side of her couldn't help but feel fear of the monster, the demon who had killed the dragon. It was Aldon, but she had to ask: was it really him?





Aldon's Dreamscape

The desolate landscape of molten rock, paired with demonic dark. The sky leaked blood to grounds below, watching it evaporate into molten stream and float to the black clouds above. Luna could feel the pain and suffering in his dreamscape; his pain and suffering. His deepest memories, locked away in a chest and with the key thrown away. Aldon knew nothing of the past that was in the box; the long forgotten past, but the environment surrounding the princess of the night gave her a clear picture. 

A young boy cheerily went around with his family in one picture, only to be replaced with the boy in a rage, letting hellfire rain on his village. A raging rampage ensuing, to which the villagers cried for help, but none came; they cried for the gods. Luna saw the dead family, and witnessed what it wrought. 

The same toddler seeing a mighty being approaching him, instructing him to kneel down. To beg for his life and grovel at his feet. A god is what he called himself, similarly to Luna and Celestia. 

"I don't bow to anyone!" the boy cried out, to which the god adorned in shadowy cloak smiled viciously and wickedly, letting out a similar wicked laugh. Of control and power, and with such he kicked the boy and sent him flying into a nearby building, expecting him to be crushed and destroyed by the impact. Meanwhile the townsfolk around the incident did indeed bow and pay their respects, until the young boy walked out with an angry face. 

"Oh, so you survived. Well, I suppose I could give you another chance to bow down," he nonchalantly said as everyone grovelled at the god's feet and he relished in it. 

The boy continued to stare, while Luna could see the look in the boy's eye. The gentle, yet defiant blue had something else in it. A demonic symbol ringed in it. The god laughed as he slowly approached the boy again, while all of the people gasped as the god delivered a mighty kick to the boy once again. However like a martial artist, the boy caught it in one hand and like a monster slowly began to crush it in his grip. 

"You all think you're so high and mighty," the boy stated, while the god tried to shake the iron grip, "but you're just the scum of the planet." His eyes turned a beet red, and everyone began to feel the magical pressure. The god was furious with the boy and amped up his power, throwing the boy off his balance. 

"Fine, since you find it fancy to disobey me, I'll lay out your punishment!" And with that he disappeared and so did the town, in mighty flames. Body burned over revealing pleading bones and running souls. The boy slowly fell to his knees and cried his eyes out at the scene. Everyone was dead. 

"One of these days!" He yelled. "I'll kill you all! Every last one of you!" He said as he curled up a young baby's bones. Tears fell onto the silent child, to which turned into more sadness. "YOU'LL ALL PAY!" 

---

Luna gasped at the images. How someone, anyone could do such a thing to innocent people was disgusting. What flashed up next was the young boy on the run from knights of whatever nation he was in, pleading, telling them it was the gods who did it. The guards only continued to yell things such as 'monster,' and 'heretic.'

---

The boy was in a large city, looking for hope in a hopeless situation. Nobles, as Luna saw them, walked around with happiness and glee, glaring at the sad, yet hopeful young boy. 

"Honey, what about the local club of aristocrats. I beleive it sounds so exquisite. Exactly somewhere I could meet great people." A woman, wearing too much jewelry for anyone's tastes, accompanied by a man adorned in expensive suit and tie, laughed and then kissed. 

"Anything for you darling." They both gave a disgusting laugh that Luna knew all too well. Aristocrats and Nobles were loathed by Luna all the same. The boy was looking around, until he spotted a small wallet on the ground. Enough money to live happy for the rest of his life waited inside, but the boy couldn't take it. His morals still remained. 

"Wait, where's my wallet!" The man yelled checking his pockets as everyone went on with their days. The boy looked to the man and slowly approached, looking up the couple, to which Luna gasped in anger. 

"I think this belongs--" And without finishing the man beat up the boy, calling him 'punk' and the sort, while the wife smiled and flashed her jewelry, looking on the onlookers, who also mocked the boy, calling him a thief. 

The punches went on for minutes, yet Aldon didn't fight back, only cried tears of sadness. He was then chased out of the town, beaten and broken, by the local guards for theft and attempted murder, while the nobles laughed it up at the poor, familyless boy who cried the whole time. He tried to hold up with his wounds, but ended up fainting on the ground, and wounding up in prison, where he curled up into a hopeless ball and continued to cry.

---

The next was villagers screaming at the young boy who tried to enter the town. Yelling for the demon to leave and never return. Never to belittle the gods and always to pray to them for guidance. The young boy cried and cried, ran and ran, until he finally gave up and was about to die, gazing up into the sun, until he saw a face Luna knew. A similar girl, with a smile and gingerly look; the family, the parents and dog all looked saddened at the boy, until they took him in. And that's when the images stopped. And she too developed tears. 

The now known Aldon slowly approached alongside h\the princess of the night. She continued to glare into the last picture, seeing a young Aldon's happiness running with his new family, only to know what happened next. 

"Sir Aldon, I--" Aldon said nothing as he looked at the image and a small tear dropped from his eyes, until he looekd to the princess pony. 

"I often debate it with myself; if i'm like the monsters I try to destroy." Luna looked to the man, viewing tears hitting the ground, while his voice continued in emotionless song. "I don't know if I hate the gods or people more," he stated looking at the images laid out in front of him and Luna. Luna gazed up at the sad man still.

"They both took everything from me. Yet I still found peace in humans. But I killed so many too. I am truly a monster," Aldon said. 

"Sire Aldon, I don't usually like talking about it," she said looking away. "But you're not the only one here who was a monster. I--I didn't always look like this and help to protect everypony and serve them well. Before we met, I was once known as Nightmare Moon, a heartless monster who tried to bring on eternal night and suffering. I was trapped on the moon for a millennia, until I got free and tried to bring about eternal night. Luckily the Elements and my sister stopped me, or I might have succeeded. I hurt so many ponies though." Aldon slowly bent down and gave a hug to princess of the night, who cried in guilt. 

"I suppose then, we were both monsters," Aldon stated, picking Luna up in an embracing hug, from which she cried and Aldon silently held her close. 

Around them, everything changed from fire and destruction, with black bloody skies, to beautiful blue and grassy green. Lush hills and innumerable relaxing trees. A luxurious lake and chirping birds. 

"But even if we both were, that doesn't mean we are now," Aldon stated gaining Luna's crying attention, to which she looked in awe at the new environment. "There is always a second chance Princess." She smiled and the tears ceased. "Always." 
> Chapter 18- New Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard. 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Hammerhoof sighed in the busy hallway, and stood guard in front of the room. He wasn't bored, sad, or anything else, just lonely. Some say that one only finds one true love in life, but to Hammerhoof, it was taken away from him. His beloved would hate to see him so lonely to say the least. She would tell him, no, demand him to find another mate. A mare who would care and love him, while he would care for and lover her. 

He was alone in guarding the door, as most guards needed to recuperate. He wanted to know how his pal was doing, but the princess asked to be alone for a little while. Hammerhoof, however looked to see Shining Armor, the captain of the guard, walking calmly down the hallway, smiling at his Hammerhoof as he approached. 

"Ah, Hammerhoof, how are you doing?" Shining Armor asked. 

"Fine. You look like you might be much worse off than me." Shining Armor rubbed the back of his head, grinding his hoof and gave a chuckle and smile. 

"Yeah, Cadance was not happy with me to say the least."

"So, what do you need?" Hammerhoof asked the prince of the Crystal Empire. 

"Well, I need somepony to replace me." Hammerhoof glazed over that part, almost as if he didn't hear it. His mind forced him not to hear it as it flabbergasted it too much. 

"Pardon?" Hammerhoof said. 

"I said, I need somepony to replace me, and I think you would be the perfect candidate." Hammerhoof lightly smiled and gave a laugh. "What's so funny?" Shining asked quizzically. 

"Well, in case you didn't notice, I don't have one of those." Hammerhoof pointed to the horn. Shining Armor understood completely. However, to Shining Armor, Hammerhoof was one of the best candidates. To him, being a unicorn didn't mean you could protect and serve any different compared to anyone else. Protecting and serving meant loyalty, conviction, and honor, and also with a hint of ruthlessness and power. 

Hamerhoof, in Shining's eyes had all five, plus the pony looekd like he could use a change of pace to say the least. He knew what the pony had endured. He was one of the worst cases in Canterlot. He lost his entire family, and had everything taken from him. In a few short minutes his life was ruined, and then what he did afterwards scared the Captain. It terrified him; Not even the princess would kill like the pony had, yet he did it with no regret. When he saw Hammerhoof after the event, he looked sad beyond belief, but perhaps the strongest soldier he had ever known. Shining Armor would never want to Hammerhoof to become angry in a fight, because he felt like he wouldn't survive to tell the tale. 

He had sparred with the killer of changelings, and he was on the ropes since the beginning, but before Hammerhoof could finish the match, he purposefully slipped up and let Shining Armor win. He demanded answers afterwards, yet Hammerhoof simply stated that: "Victory isn't my role in life." 

Hammerhoof was in all intensive purposes completely lonely. Shining called him a friend, but Hammerhoof only looked at him as a sympathetic soldier. Then, Hammerhoof was instructed to train and help protect Ponyville with the new arrival Aldon. Shining wished to see the human as he was called, but his life with Cadence, the baby coming, and was in the way. However, after hearing of Hammerhoof take on the dragon and doing so much damage to it, he felt it would be good to finally devote his life to his love. No pony would suite his expectation more than Hammerhoof. He had all five qualities, and he wished the princesses would see he had them too. 

Shining Armor truly never experienced loss like Hammerhoof, so he had no idea how it felt, yet it also made him weaker. If he didn't know how it felt, he didn't feel as obligated to protect it. The 'soon-to-be-new-captain' knew what loss felt like and would help to protect it more than almost any pony.

"Hammerhoof, being a unicorn doesn't make you qualified to be a Royal Guard, let alone captain. You are one of the strongest ponies I've ever seen. You know you single handedly beat me in combat where no pony could and on top of that, saved hundreds of lives in Ponyville. You know what loss is, and are far more fit to be captain than me. Plus, I need to be with Cadance now more than ever. I will never let her go into a battlefield like that again." Hammerhoof looekd to his 'superior,' in shock. He was surprised, yet not. He never wanted to win in that fight, in order to preserve the balance of the corps. Shining Armor was made for that position; he gave a morale boost to the soldiers, and had tremendous power and strength. Hammerhoof also didn't want to embarrass the corps with an Earth Pony being a captain; the nobles would tear the princesses apart. 

But now, Shining Armor came forward and almost demanded it. Hammerhoof gave a heavy sigh. "I see your point," Hammerhoof stated, gaining a smile from the current captain. 

"Now, how is the human doing?" Shining Armor asked. 

"He's currently in a coma. That thing must've taken it out of him." Shining Armor nodded. 

"What exaclty was that thing?" 

"My guess. It was his anger." Shining Armor contemplated Hammerhoof's words. He had seen what emotions could do; what they could change someone into. Hammerhoof changed from a peaceful, 'getting-by-in-life' pony to a ruthless changeling killer on Canterlot's streets. He became a ruthless hero that day. He earned respect from every pony but the nobles. The guards, the people of Equestria, the princesses, even Shining Armor himself.

"But that power was something else," Shining Armor said. 

"Let me tell you something Shining Armor. He told me of his past; the life he had on the other planet. A dream he had, which would pop up almost every time he slept. The death of his family." Shining Armor's eyes slowly widened as the story progressed. How he was forced to watch his family be taken from life in front of his eyes; helpless to do anything to stop it and then to watch what happened to his adoptive sister. His friend, and one he cared for, being killed, and then how the men used her body for sexual pleasure, not even giving her peace in death. How the man couldn't do anything to stop it; the boy was helpless against the men. And then Hammerhoof told him something similar. Something snapped. Like a chord controlling the body. It released and gave him his form. However, for the safety of Equestria, Hammerhoof didn't tell him of the purpose of it and what it becomes when the chord is completely destroyed. 

The Captain stared wide eyed at the story being told before him. Tears left his eyes as he heard it. How any pony, or anyone for that matter could push on to live after that. If Shining Armor lost Cadance, Twilight, his parents, he would probably not want to live. To see them dying in his hooves. But yet again, Hammerhoof experienced the same thing.

But what Hammerhoof didn't tell Shining Armor was something that could destroy Equestria entirely. It could kill anything it pleased. An unstoppable monstrosity, from which Aldon barely had any control over. 

"I'm so--" Hammerhoof raised his hoof at the captain. 

"Aldon's anger is what killed that dragon. It came from his tragic life. He told me himself, that if he must be with the burdens of the past to give a fortunate future, he would do so. He will become a monster to save others, even if they see him as such as a result." Shining Armor saw the similarities. Hammerhoof became a monster that day, mercilessly killing changelings with whacks of his hooves and kicks that could knock buildings down. He became a monster to stop the destruction and to help the ponies of Canterlot, even if they saw him as the same things he was destroying: Monsters. "Shining Armor," the captain drew his attention to the Earth Pony. "I will accept the role of Captain of the Royal Guard." 





"Listen to me. I want you to infiltrate the city, and become--'intimate,' with this pony." The two cloaked 'pony-like' beings stood in an alleyway, while the larger of the two held out a picture of the new Captain with her dark hoof-like pigment. The other slowly nodded. It had begun to rain out, while night descended, making Canterlot look similar to a slightly industrialized england city. Rain in constant effect and lights lightly flickering. Like a creepy street in an abandoned London. All of the ponies were too busy with recent events. With rebuilding Ponyville and helping those hurt from the attack. 

Her 'ally' had told her of the attack and to use it to set the stage. To slowly infiltrate and put her plan into action. "What should I know about this pony my queen?" The feminine sounding 'pony-alike' creature asked. 

"From my reports, and from my agents in Ponyville and Canterlot, he is approximately the same age as that brat Shining Armor; perhaps a little older. He is in the Royal Guard, is very lonely, and was behind the slaughtering of the changeling in Canterlot." The creature seemingly cringed at the sound under her cloak.

"He--he killed them all?" It asked. The other, recognised as 'The Queen,' slowly nodded in her cloak. 

"It turned out, his family was killed by some of my minions, and it simply unleashed the killing monster in him. What I want to know is what happened afterwards, and how to trigger it. The godly power he had that day. From the reports and gossip of the towns, he was practically as powerful as the princesses, just with no magic." The other one gasped in feminine tone. "Yes, when I read of how many he had killed I cringed myself. One such report said he blasted one of my minions clean through a buildings, reducing him to a state less than bloody mush. Another said one was blasted into the air, and right over the mountain. And then I heard of his match with 'the great' Shining Armor. He easily outclassed him, but gave the Captain the win out of respect and courtesy I suppose."

The development kept giving a slow shake to the creature. It was almost chattering its teeth until 'The Queen,' stopped. "Is he really that strong?" The creature asked for clarification. 

"Yes. I would probably lose against him in a fight. But, I don't have to fight him. I just need to control him, and that's where you come in. I want you to find what makes him tick. Pleasure him, give him a romantic time and gather all of the information you can." She then gathered another picture of a beautiful pony, sadly darkened by the night, and unable to be seen. "This is perhaps one of the perfect ways. Now, be aggressive if you have to. Although, I heard he went for the more sincere one, so you might want to go with that approach. Either way, get me the information and have him enthralled to serve me and my wishes." 

The rain began to pick up, with lightning slowly following, and thunder close behind.. Something major must have happened to summon weather like that up into Canterlot. Most likely the sad event of Ponyville. Less likely a scheduled thing. 

"I--I will have your will done, my Queen." 'The Queen,' nodded, a wicked smile protruding under the cloak. 

"Good. Now, report back to me as often as you can. Also, make sure to keep an eye on the human if they're together. I heard they're friends now." The creature nodded, as she began to walk out of the alley. Rain thumped on the ground as transformation took place and a beautiful, majestic unicorn pony walked out of the alley, giving a sincere smile, but her form brimmed with guile. Everything for her queen; everything. 





Celestia yawned, as well as her sister as they sat in the royal throne room, expecting the questions to pile up and demands to go as a cherry on top. Day court always bugged Celestia; so much so, she even skipped out on it sometimes, especially when her sister had come back. But with the arrival of the human, and him becoming practical world wide news, she figured it was best to remain open, and diplomatic for a long period of time. Not shy away from duties for fun, at least until everything died down. 

Royal guards strung the opening to the massive luxurious room where her little ponies, and stuck up nobles asked for requests and advice or assistance. While it was monotonous, it made her feel more attached to her people. Not exaclty with the nobles demands, but with the average pony's requests and pleas. Just a word from her got so much done, yet it also gave more than just objetual things, but also happiness and content feelings as her ponies walked out the door. 

For Luna, it allowed her to connect with the modern world, and try to repair her relationship with the ponies she had hurt and scared. At the beginning, some came simply to insult her, but after helping with the threats to Equestria and the everyday ponies in need, she gained the respect of every pony, except the most stubborn and rude ponies in Canterlot. They would still whisper heinous things about Luna. Celestia, however, would usually silence them whenever she heard. The usual scolding and threat would deter the stubborn nobles from voicing their opinions in the open, and recent actions by Luna made it almost impossible for them to do it in a crowd without being booed. 

All in all, Nightmare Moon was long into the past, and a distant memory to almost every pony, except for Luna herself. However, whenever she was reminded, she always got so sad. Not mad, or anything along those lines at the pony who spoke, but sorry and sad. She felt so much regret and guilt over it, Celestia thought it was worse than death. She wasn't fr from the mark, but after the talk she and Aldon had, it seemed like she was in such a brighter mood than ever. Like she found a new lease on life; a new purpose; a second chance. 

"Ok, we're ready. Right sister?" Celestia asked, to which Luna nodded, with a light smile. 

"We are prepared sister." Luna's smiled seemingly intensified as she saw a familiar face walk in first. With a surprise to say the least. Celestia gasped and gave a big smile as well, looking at the prince of the Crystal Empire, and her captain. 

"Your highnesses," Shining Armor, adorned in nothing but a light shirt stated, slightly bowing.

"What brings you here Shining Armor. Do you require permission for field exercises or?" Shining Armor slowly shook his head as he led another pony in with a call of his hoof. The pony in question was one of the only Earth Ponies in the guard. However, he was the most fierce by far. 

"Hammerhoof!" Both of the princesses seemingly yelled in joy. 

"How are you?" Celestia asked. "I trust you have recovered since Ponyville's attack. Hammerhoof slowly nodded, giving a light smile to go along with it. 

"Hammerhoof is here for one reason." The princesses readjusted their gazes to the captain of the guard, with the room seemingly becoming a colloseum and all eyes laying on the Unicorn. "I am leaving my position of Captain and returning to the Crystal Empire." Silence filled the room, and the princesses inwardly gasped at the revelation. Hammerhoof was indifferent, firstly because he knew, and secondly, because he still figured he might not get it. 

"Why are you leaving Shining?" Celestia inquired. 

"Because, I need to be with Cadence, and being so far from her all of the time is taxing on our relationship. Plus, our little one is coming Celestia." Celestia understood completely, nodding, while Luna gave a glance at Hammerhoof, who was simply standing in attention. She directed a heart filled smile at the pony, and he directed one back as friends who have known each other. Luna didn't have many friends, but Hammerhoof was indeed one of them. 

"And who would you have as your replcement. And understand we have the option to refuse Hammerhoof." He knew the procedure, same as the princesses. The princesses also already knew the candidate and the answer before the next words were spoken. 

"I nominate Hammerhoof for the position of Captain of the Royal Guard," Shining Armor stated plainly, gaining nods from Luna and Celestia. Hammerhoof just gazed, not anxious for the answer. He didn't wish for the position; it was never a dream, just a possibility as presented now to him. 

"Let me discuss this with Luna. Give us a few minutes would you?" Both the guards nodded as Celestia and Luna walked behind their thrones and began to converse. 

"I believe Hammerhoof is perfect as a candidate." Celestia held her tongue as she considered her sister's words. 

"But, that day; what if he gets out of hand, and instead of just changelings, its ponies too?" Luna knew her sister had a point on that one. "Luna he'll always be a friend, just as Shining Armor, but we can't just go off of that. Can he do the job is the real question."

Luna couldn't deny it, but as it was her position now in the conversation, she wished to convince her sister otherwise. "Sister, Hammerhoof is the only choice to replace Shining Armor. He stood toe to toe with him. Heck, he even stood toe to toe with me." Celestia furrowed her right brow, to which Luna lightly chuckled. "Well, I wanted to see how strong he was. He didn't disappoint." Celestia lighlty nodded. 

"I know he is strong sister, but he needs to lead. Our entire guards corps to be exact."

"Sister, he rallied his troops during Tirek's and Discord's attack, and on top of that, he garners respect from the guards. I saw it daily. Salutes, nods, and even 'sirs,' even though he was the same rank. In fact, Shining Armor never once went against advice Hammerhoof gave for planning." Celestia began to see it was a good choice, and their only choice that could end well. Threat aside, he was an extremely qualified pony, nobles be damned. 

"Very well Luna. I agree. He is indeed worthy and will become the replacement. The new captain." They slowly trekked back to their thrones where they sat and gave their answers. 

"Me and my sister have discussed," Celestia began. 

"And we find Hammerhoof worthy and deserving of the position of 'Captain of the Royal Guard.' Congratulations!" Luna sung her congratulations in the hall as Hammerhoof gave a smile to it all. He was flattered. For the sake of the nation, he would take it and help to protect it from all harm, internal or external. 

"Thank you, your majesties. I humbly accept the role of the new captain." Hammerhoof's words held no arrogance, no pride, just a humble thanks. 

"Then it is done. We shall introduce you as such tomorrow. you should probably get prepared." Hammerhoof nodded and slowly walked out. 

"So, will you stay for the celebration?" Celestia asked the previous captain. 

"Yes. In fact, I think Cadance may be comming to celebrate as well." 

"How do you know such?" Luna asked. 

"I told her before I came here." 

"So, you knew we were going to say yes?" Celestia furrowed her left brow that time. 

"Yes. Trust me, I know how your majesties think." The three giggled as Hammerhoof exited the castle and headed for the hospital to see his good friend. Hopefully he would be awake to hear the news. In the shadows however, the most beautiful unicorn lurked in hiding, waiting for her chance to snatch him up.  

	
	
> Chapter 19- Second Chances (1). Future Told?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Hammerhoof should've been happy. Ecstatic for his new role in shaping Equestria. To help fellow ponies, and to protect and serve, but he just felt an even greater hole inside instead. A big space of nothingness. Where one loves, and loses, the place that is replaced is massive; often too big to replace. A sun in the vastness of space, or perhaps a person floating in the ocean, or even a pebble on the huge expanse of desert sand. The void was huge, and to Hammerhoof it seemed to expand with everyday. However, with his friends, and brethren in the guard, he managed to get by, but he would feel just as lonely before with no one to properly converse with. A position of authority was a curse to him it seemed, but he couldn't refuse, or look bad. 

He lightly tapped his hooves as he trotted along Canterlot's streets, sighing as he saw families walk by, soem even pointing at the old war pony. Some of the kids made funny faces, while Hammerhoof gave light smiles to them. It hurt so much though. The pain was almost unbearable; to the point where he wanted to end it, but his wife would kill him if he went out in such a cowardly way. He was one of the only ponies he truly feared, and she would kill him in the afterlife, if it was possible. He knew, that if any pony could, it would be her. He also knew, she would want him to move on, but he felt like he just couldn't until he saw her. Like fate, it had reunited the two together. Her face, her color, her smile, it looked almost identical, but even sweeter. If it wasn't for her more majestic movement and more calming smile, he would've thought it was his wife; his special pony. 

A mare, about the same height as Hammerhoof walked his way, smiling and waving her hoof. She was a beautifully colored pink pony, with pearly white as her mane. Her cutie mark was that of a foal carriage. A heart lied on top of the carriage. It wasn't her, but the resemblance was more than just coincidence, but he couldn't stop himself. Tears flowed out as he saw the mare. 

She came running as she saw it, "are you alright?" She asked more motherly than even Celestia. 

Hammerhoof's gruff voice came out slurred but readable, "Yeah, I--you just look so familiar to somepony I knew." 

"Oh, could you tell me. Maybe I know this pony." She cheerily looked at the pony as he wiped away his tears, but slowly lowered his head. 

"My wife, but sadly, she's no longer in this world." The mare slwoly lowered her head as well. 

"I'm so sorry--" She couldn't stop as Hammerhoof rose her head with his and shook it. 

"Don't be. You weren't the one who took her from me. Took everything from me." The mare could feel guilt rock her heart, but pushed on. She placed a hoof on the stallion's head. 

"I'm Merry Joy." Hammerhoof looked to the mare and lighlty smiled. 

"Hammerhoof," he said with a slight nod and smile. They were getting along so well, just smiling at each other, until disaster struck as a sly, sneaky pony snuck up behind the mare. 

"Hey missy, you look kind of cute." He grabbed her by the neck with his hoof, extending a nullifying ring on her horn, silencing her magic if she attempted it. Hammerhoof moved into an attacking stance, ready to strike, "not so fast old timer." 

"Let her go," Hammerhoof said, with emphasis and power on each word, but it didn't discourage the cloaked assailant at all. 

"Who are you pops? Her father? Oh, maybe the one she's going to extort and take your money?" The assailant gave nasally laugh, making the unicorn look in disgust, but still plead for help from Hammerhoof. 

"I'm not going to ask again," Hammerhoof said, getting ready to unleash anger on the pony. The assailant only continued to laugh. 

"You're just a puny little Earth Pony. You can't stop a unicorn, even if I gave you free hits. Magic is so great isn't it?" Hammerhoof saw the horn extrude from the cloak's hood, but still kept his stance. "Actually, maybe I'll get rid of you now." The unicorn's magic lit up, and a bubble formed around the new captain, until it suddenly burst apart as he charged. 

The unicorn stumbled back, quickly releasing the mare, who smiled as Hammerhoof charged forward, until the assailant got serious, and used all of his magic to form a barrier to protect himself, the red aura forming as its color. 

A normal Earth Pony would never be able to pierce the barrier, without equipment, or assistance, but Hammerhoof was angered by the assailant. Furious, and he let it consume his body, letting out a furious roar into the sky, he kicked straight through the barrier, and sent the unicorn flying into a building across from the alleyway, almost with him in a paste-like state. The unicorn screamed in pain as Hammerhoof slowly approached the unicorn, with little control over his actions he raised a hoof, about to end the ponies life, with power rivalling the princesses themselves.

The pony begged for his life in his weak state. "Please--I'm sorry. Please, don't kill me. I'll stop foal napping mares. I'll stop robbing ponies. Please, I won't do any more crimes! Please, don't kill me!" he screamed as guards approached the scene, and the mare slowly walked up behind Hammerhoof, and in a sincere manner she also pleaded. 

"Please, you don't need to do this Hammerhoof. Remember yourself!" she yelled into his ears as his eyes dilated back to normal and the monster vanished. 

"I--I'm sorry for that." The assailant sighed in relief, until Hammerhoof directed his gaze upon the criminal, and called for the guards attention, who were all approaching. "You're going into a dark hole for a while," Hammerhoof said, while letting the 'while' resonate. 

The unicorn pouted, but ultimately accepted his fate laid out in front of him. He would face numerable charges, sentenced to life in prison, and even the death penalty could be a possibility if they find out all of his crimes. However, as he lay on the ground, almost losing consciousness, he could feel a prick hit the side of his neck, seemingly sending some unknown power into him. 

"Thank you so much." Merry Joy gave a hug around the new captain, smiling the whole time, but with wicked intentions under it. The guards approached, while Hammerhoof watched them. 

"Sir!" The guards stood in attention, seeing him as a superior officer, although Hammerhoof could see resistance in the title for a recruit on the squad. Unicorns thought of themselves as gods compared to normal earth ponies, or at least some did. Hammerhoof had seen the power of a god though; he felt it once, and almost felt it again. 

"At ease," Hammerhoof stated, pointing a hoof at the assailant. "This pony tried to abduct Ms. Joy here, and would've gotten away with it if not for me. Now, I request you take him away for trials. Who knows what other crimes he's committed." 

Just then, Hammerhoof felt a similar power: a bountiful rage. As Hammerhoof turned and looked at what the horrified faces were giving leer to, he saw the unicorn assailant, completely uncloaked and much more fearsome than before. His blue skin had a shade of black, while his mane, originally green, had a shade of white, while his eyes were baked red. 

His eyes gazed upon the ponies as he slowly lifted into the sky. His heart was gone and mind was melting to the presence infecting his body. It gave him an alicorns power, but stripped away all command over it to the one who held the puppet. 

"Everypony, back up now!" Hammerhoof shouted, causing nearby spectators and guards alike to shoot for cover. Merry Joy followed gazing back at Hammerhoof as he stared the floating unicorn down. His hair swished in the non existent wind, similar to the princesses, but with a more dark and eerie presence. 

"We unlock this puny mortals full potential to bask in the glory of all of you being destroyed. Face oblivion!" The mixed voice of the original pony and something dark resonated. His horn lit up and instead of blue aura, deep black emanated and shot out all around, one even striking Hammerhoof. 

"Who are you?" Hammerhoof called out with his voice, standing his ground as pain surged through him. 

"That is none of your concern mortal. We bear a message. Deliver this to your leaders, or face dire consequences if its not heard. Oblivion comes; understand that the one you have welcomed will be your destruction, but we will be your salvation. When he destroys we will create, and when he kills we will revive. We will help you on your darkest hour and longest night." The pony slowly looked to the sky, where the dark aura surfaced, blasted off into the heavens and made its way to leave sight. The pony slumped back, falling, flank first on the ground, falling over into unconsciousness.

"What--what was that all about?" Merry Joy asked Hammerhoof, who shook his head. 

"I have no idea; but there will be trouble coming." Hammerhoof looked to the guards. "Guards, deliver message to the princesses. Give them all of the details of what has transpired." 

"What about you sir?" One of the guards asked, while Hammerhoof slowly approached Merry Joy and swung his hooves around her.

"I think I'm head out on the town. What do you think?" Hammerhoof asked the unicorn, who blushed a hot red, but slowly nodded and smiled. 

"That sounds great!" Hammerhoof gruffly nodded and began to guide her down the block.

"Also, clean up this mess!" Hammerhoof yelled back to the guards, who could only salute and spill out a 'yes sir!'
> Chapter 20- Prophecies and Ceremonies.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Aldon slowly lit his hands up, overlooking the beautiful rainbow of colored flames displayed in his hands. He wanted to test out something new; something dangerous and destructive to see if he could do it, but a hospital room on a mountain side with hundreds of guards was not the best place to do such a thing. He sighed the air around him as he banished the flames from his hands. He was stronger, much more so, but he still felt angry. Even though he avenged his friends, killed the god who took them, and saved a town too, he still felt angry, mad, and also sad.

He ran his hands through his head, feeling the prickles and slight heat coming off of his body. He could ignite his hair right there and have it stick. Flaming hair was something he loved to do sometimes. Although, until he figured out to do it safely that is. He did burn off his hair more than just in Ponyville, and he usually did it to himself. Luckily though, he learned to produce non burning flames. Just for intimidation factor he would let his hair "burn." It would work many times as well. 

Such a time is when he was walking back to meet his friends, to rejoin them after he took a leave of absence. There, on the road to the center of the Rosic Kingdom, Aldon met with a few bandits. They insisted on nice talk, and that they "wouldn't hurt," Aldon if he handed over all of his valuables, but he knew first off that was a lie and second off they had very weak magic as they relied on weaponry. As to not have to lift a finger, he simply lit up his hair and gave a sinister smile, and watched everything play out. Swords clashed against the ground and boots stomped for as far as Aldon could see. It was amusing to watch them run for all they were worth, and afterwards he simply continued on his journey, with no other interference besides a town infested with vampires, Lily's brother's minions of darkness for the time being. 

A knock came to the door and Aldon stumbled back onto his bed, extinguished his ongoing flames for good, and looked to the door. He cleared his throat. 

"Come in!" Aldon yelled to the pony on the other side. 

Surprisingly Nurse Redheart came in and gave a light smile. Aldon gave it back, slightly putting her off edge with his canines, until she realized he wasn't predator, to ponies at least. 

"Hello Nurse Redheart. Why are you here?" Aldon asked absentmindedly, until he hit realization. "Are you here to sign me to go?" He asked with expectation and hope brimming in his eyes. 

"No, I'm afraid not. The princesses gave strict instruction to keep you in recovery for a while longer. You may still be hurt. I mean no pony really comes back from the dead and faces a dragon unscathed." Aldon lightly chuckled, firstly at the fact of how they used 'pony,' for everything, and secondly for the fact that she was wrong. A day of recovery made him feel as fit as a whistle and that was an understatement. 

"So then, when am I allowed to leave this place? I have to at least help rebuild Ponyville." Nurse Redheart was taken back. Some of the ponies there treated him so harshly, even after he saved the town, they called him a monster, or at least some did, but he still wished to help the town and receive no credit. He simply wished to leave and help rebuild. In Redheart's book, he was a hero to her, a true friend of ponies everywhere, even if he 
did have rough edges. 

"Well, I'm not entirely sure. The princesses just wish for you to recover, and until then they instructed me to take care of you." Aldon sighed over the reworded response. Like a robot, only with an actual brain. He couldn't blame her though, orders are orders and she got hers from the leaders of the nation.

"Very well. I still dislike being cooped up for too long."

"I'm sure they'll let you leave soon enough, especially due to the recent news." This gave Aldon a look of curiosity. 

"What news?" He he cautiously asked with a raised brow. 

"Hammerhoof has been promoted to Captain of the Royal Guard. The ceremonies are tomorrow evening." Aldon felt pride for the pony, but also sympathies. He didn't care for position or rank, just life itself and happiness for those around him. After his loss, he only wished for peace even more. He desperately felt lonely, and Aldon compassionately understood. He had lost those close to him, on more than one occasion. Still, he supposed the gruff pony wouldn't be sad over it, just neutral as neither happy nor angry to the matter. 

If he wasn't allowed to the ceremony himself, he would sneak out if he had to. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that as he's not the sealthiest type of person, especially among ponies no less. 

"Thinking of sneaking out huh?" Aldon inwardly groaned, but also gave a smile to the demon who smiled back, chuckling at the man. 

"Well, is there anything you need right now?" Nurse Redheart asked, expecting an answer from the man. she was surprised when he shook his head 'no.' 

"Are you sure? Have you even eaten since before the battle. I mean dying must have you starving." Again, Aldon shook his head, making her ponder with her hoof on her chin, until she 'hmphed' in accordance and left, leaving Aldon to talk with his soul partner. 





"So, can you talk now?" The demon asked. 

"Yes." Aldon stated, keeping the conversation inside of his mind as to not look crazy, even though that was already debatable. 

"You know they're coming right?" The demon asked for clarification.

"Yes." Aldon stated again. 

"Well, what are you going to do about them?"

"I don't know Deus. The whole thing about it is that when it comes down to it, they're innocent here." Aldon's word held true. Gods were manipulative, and cunning. They would cut all ties from Sun Crusher, saying they tried to subdue him before he attacked, or even going as far as saying he was a crazy old dragon, looking for sadistic pleasure, when in reality he was instructed to do every last bit of the damage in Ponyville; to inspire fear. 

"But when you see them? Will you strike, or will you remain dormant?" Aldon considered the demon's words. There would be no turning back at that point. 

"We will have to see." 





"Sister," the dark Alicorn stated, gaining the attention of her counterpart and family. The sun-encrusted alicorn looked at her sister and gave a heartwarming smile. 

"Yes, what is it Luna?" Celestia asked to confirm any suspicions. 

"I--"

Before Luna could finish, guards burst through the throne room door, urgent faces appearing on every single one of them. 

"Your majesties." The group slowly bowed, with Luna and Celestia taken off guard, but resettling to the recent buzz in their formal courtroom. 

"Why are you here?" Luna asked, almost sternly, but refraining from any harshness. 

"Sorry your highness, but we come bearing a message we received only a few minutes ago." The guard said this with complete formality, keeping in line and never flinching at once. A seasoned veteran when it came to talking to practical gods among ponies, but yet again, gods are not nearly as strong as some portray them as.

"What kind of message?" Celestia asked, curiously puzzled in a motherly tone. 

"Well, according to the apprehended suspect, he had no knowledge of what came out of his mouth, but the message was a warning." The two princesses suddenly had increased tension on that word: 'warning.'

"Exactly what kind of warning?" Luna clarified with increased tension in her voice. 

The guard, levitating his notepad in a green aura began to read off the warning. Celestia and Luna knew from the first sentence it involved the human. It was very obvious, and luckily there really was no riddle to it, just a clear cut warning from unknowns. 

"And just after he was announced new Captain, Hammerhoof had to put down a crook and save a mare," The guard continued after preaching the warning. 

The regal sisters were slightly outraged by the added side note, but kept their composure in the long run.

"So sister," Luna directed her gaze at Celestia, "what shall we do?" 

"I'm not sure. Should we even trust this message? Where is the proof?" 

The guard slowly rose, slightly bowing to give a formal message of wishing to give to the conversation, "Princesses, I know this might not be my place, but that man, he saved my niece and nephew." Celestia remembered back to the two little foals back in Ponyville and the husk that was Aldon laying dead on the ground. This guard was their uncle. "I see no proof labeling him as a person of such destructive nature. He saved so many ponies including some of my own family." 

"Sister--" 

"I know Luna, but you saw what he did. He killed a dragon, with more magical power than I've ever experienced." And Luna, she saw what was truly lurking in his body. 

It may go against what has transpired, but being cautious of the human was not a bad thing. It was for protective purposes. As the gods sensed this a lightning strike cracked into the wall, completely knocking through the castle structure. Holes lined all the way up to the ceiling, spelling true power all along the way as smoke trailed off the hole's serrated edges. 

Everyone took cover, and the guards got into the position, moving to surround the lightning impact on the wall in front of the thrones, on top of the doors. A message read: "If you wish for proof, simply call out our name: Divine Trinity." 





Aldon silently sat, waiting for something interesting to happen, or to be let out of the medical prison. He decided he would meditate on the true soul he contained. He slowly got out of the cover of the bed and got to the floor, crossing his legs and planting his hands firmly together, glue forming on contact. Flames slowly formed around his body, but contradicting usual purpose, they were merely to radiate magical power and connect with his inner spirit. 

"Be careful. I only recently was able to break apart from it. There's a reason I tell you not to talk to it."

Aldon sighed to the demon standing in front of the double locked door in the void, urging the man to possibly walk away and not attempt his mission. 

"Deus, I need to at least try. If I can conquer him, I can never have anyone become hurt again. I can protect everyone from everything." 

Deus shook his demonic face, sighing all along the way. "Very well, but just make sure you don't let him consume you, or you definitely won't be a hero for long."

Aldon nodded, and slowly moved to the fading door into the eerie darkness, containing nothing but pure anger, malice and rage. It was something Aldon couldn't conquer, and frankly there were reasons. 








The darkness was truly all encompassing, and the feeling of lifelessness filled the non existent air. Aldon could never get over not being able to breath, but he coped. 

"I know you are here, so come out and talk to me!" Aldon yelled to the void. 

The form truly terrified Aldon, the true puppet master of his past, his true purpose. Deep black eyes bore in from the darkness, surrounded by an everlasting figure of true carnage and destruction. Nothing but a creature's heavy breathing echoed in the darkness. 

Aldon shuddered at the lifeless, malevolent eyes peering into his soul. Aldon, however didn't waiver and give into fear, for if he did it would allow the world to be encased in unending destruction. 

When someone stares into the eyes of a nuclear bomb, or perhaps into the end of a gun barrel or even into the eyes of the death himself, one wonders if he should be afraid or simply be. There is not much one could do, so should you be afraid when there's nothing you can do about it? 

Aldon didn't stare into the death of himself, but of everyone around him. Only once did it come out, and to say it was fearsome and destructive would be like saying shark infested waters are unsafe and unrecommended to swim in. 

The beast, monster more so, or even the king of destruction, or harbinger of death would be more fitting, didn't need to simply speak to voice his opinion. All it needed to do was simply stare and give off its power through its memories. How it formed the world through conflict with the gods.





Hammerhoof smiled. He genuinely smiled since he had his own family. Love was truly toxic and for Hammerhoof it came in droves from the mare Merry. 

She smiled back and with the contagious flu of happiness, he continued the favor, both of them peering into each other's eyes, fantasizing and fawning over each other. The normal Hammerhoof would calculate, hypothesize and predict, but the love entranced Hammerhoof simply waved happily with a gleeful face. 

True love had struck Hammerhoof again, and the virus was unstoppable, and on the other side, the virus was slowly winning as well. 

"So, whatcha want to do?" Merry asked with a merry expression. 

"I suppose we should order." Hammerhoof replied, lightly coming out of the trance and realizing they were in a five star restaurant and technically on a date.

"Oh--wow." Merrily stated this with awe at how quickly she had gotten lost in the moment as well. The whole time though still having a smile and cheerful attitude. An attitude of pure innocence and fondful memories. The act was working. 

"So, where do you hail from exaclty?" Hammerhoof inquired the mare, who slightly frowned at the question. 

"Eeeh, just some backwater town you've probably never heard of." 

"Really? Try me." Hammerhoof said this with clear challenge in his voice. 

"A stallion who can be put to the test," she said with a devious smile, which made Hammerhoof lightly blush. Dirtiness aside, the stallion was actually quite curious how a beauty of a mare hailed from some backwater area and not from a noble family in Canterlot. 

"So, let me ask you a simple question Ms. Merry," Hamerhoof said this with a clear need for it to be answered, "why would a mare such as yourself not be taken by now?" 

Merry considered it fully, not for the sake of getting a response out, but to make the stallion lust for her even more. 

"No Stallion has ever been able to handle me," Merry said, inciting a slightly heavier blush from Hammerhoof, which in turn told her to give out a big ol' laugh. Hammerhoof had quite the charmer on his hands, quite the charmer indeed, but he never thought of disliking it. 



 

"Are all of the preparations complete for tonight's ceremony of Hammerhoof?" Celestia asked one of the mare maids instructing others. 

"Yes Princess," the mare maid stated as she turned around, gave a slight bow and a meek smile, making Celestia return the favor. 

"Good," Celestia replied with the hint of hidden concern for the message. She would have to see both sides before she decided what to do. She would ask to see their memories to be concrete on what she heard and saw, nothing less to accuse Aldon of such future atrocities. 

The second regal sister silently approached, startling the sun princess as she turned to greet Luna. Smiles were exchanged and a quick sisterly hug given. 

"Sister, are the preparations complete?" Luna asked. 

"Almost, and I believe after these festivities we should delve deep." Celestia's words sunk into Luna's mind, where the sister, while hesitant due to the help he gave, couldn't disagree. While it completely crippled her heart to distrust someone who had essentially saved an entire town, and their own lives, he still posed a dangerous threat, that would need to be rectified if proven as a monster. 





"You may think you're all powerful, but don't think you can simply waltz by me." Aldon's words gave no pause to the demon's attempt at intimidation, which Aldon felt no need to be anymore. "You do not intimidate me." 

The monster slowly started to hum, resonating his booming voice in the void. Then a smile formed, electing the same, eerie, yet powerful response to come. 

"I am your greatest weapon. Relinquish control and I will do away with all of your problems." The response rang true.

"And why should I?" Aldon asked. He expected the answer, but still, he wished to hear the monster speak the truth. 

"Treated as dirt, trampled on as a pebble and discarded like trash. You have suffered more than any person, god, or creature, yet you retain your sanity and peace of mind. Have you ever considered why human?" The monster's words brought inquiry to Aldon's mind. 

"What do you mean?" Aldon asked for clarification. He thought of the question, as to what the dark entity could be saying. And yet, Aldon also knew any normal person would've given up by now, yet he still felt at equilibrium. 

"You will find out soon enough, human."  The dark voice echoed out. "You may wish to hide me, but understand that we are nothing without the other." The demon's mouth lunged for Aldon and closed as darkness truly enveloped the man, sending him into shock.

Aldon channeled abruptly back to the hospital room, gasping frantically for the luxurious air of the world. It was truly connected to him, but he never wished to show it again. 

	
> Chapter 21- Festivities and Public Promotion.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The hall was filled to the brim with ponies, both military can civilian, who all shared a common question: who was the new captain?

To keep the party interesting, all who knew of the new senior officer would not tell, including the pony himself. Hammerhoof enjoyed the idea as it allowed him more time to spend with Merry without nobles trying to kiss his hooves. Honestly, Hammerhoof couldn't understand how Celestia could take it, unless if she got off on it? The pony decided to put that thought away and continue the conversation as the party continued on. 

"So stud," Merry started, winking at the pony, causing the target to pop red, "when do you reveal the big announcement?" Now obviously Hammerhoof's new promotion came up in conversation at the restaurant, but he decided to say that he was simply being the captain as a fill-in, and while he certainly didn't believe it wasn't going to be a fill-in, he decided modesty was always a good comfort. To brag about a promotion is something he found under the etiquette of morally correct ponies; nobles and aristocrats perhaps, but not for him. 

He watched as ponies, dressed in the most luxurious garb, or simply guards vested up in armor, from which most were crowded by mares, conversed profusely on different subjects; some were of genuine concern, while others were the latest earnings in their stock and investments. Although one point was stirring in the most rapid frequency, including among the Elements, who were also situated at the party: Who and where is the human?

Ponies have heard of humans before. Of course, only the extremely educated in ancient Equestria actually knew of the legends of them. Most things describing them were vague, so much so to constitute contraries on every page of information. Some stated of fierce, bloodthirsty conquerors, while some stated of imaginative and creative beings of art, while others depicted advanced beings of supreme intelligence, trumping any challenge with technology. Finally a widely accepted legend of them being their thirst for war and violence, thus sending up flames of extinction. Besides vague descriptions and estimates, the picture of a human is closest to a neanderthal in relative composition. 

Merry frowned as Hammerhoof was in deep thought, slightly whining in a small-toddler's-ignored-tone. Hammerhoof noticed this and smiled, chuckling as he rubbed the back of his head with his single appendageal hand. 

"Sorry. I was just thinking." Merry slightly giggled. 

"What were you thinking about?" She asked this while leaning in with a sinister smile of information gathering. 

"My friend," Hammerhoof replied, giving Merry a weird expression, but after a few seconds she returned to a light smile. 

"Hammerhoof are you lonely?" She asked directly. 

Hammerhoof taken back by the sudden oddity looked quizzically, "what do you mean?" 

"I mean, do you feel alone. Like nopony knows your pain." Hammerhoof was awestruck, how did she know this, and that's when he slightly tensed. 

"How do yo--" 

"I can see it in your eyes." Hammerhoof was completely blown away. 

"My eyes?" 

"Yes. I can see the gloss over them. I can see your past was filled with pain." Hammerhoof could understand. Even the princesses often asked if he was alright when he reported for duty. Most times he was taken back to fond memories, which were abruptly ripped away as he fanned away tears and saluted. Truthfully he always wanted to simply walk away and live in isolated solitude; it was all so painful sometimes, but he stuck through because it was what his love would want him to do. To fight for the better times and he has reached them. He had gained a true friend, and found real love again. 

However as he realized his true predicament he genuinely smiled. A true, full and sunny smile. And just as that happened disaster struck in the form of wild shouts and the unamused faces of the two princesses. Hammerhoof looked over to see an all too familiar face, and the face looked to be in better spirits. Commotion sparked and everyone gathered around, while the princesses approached the scene to deal punishment. 





"Almost--" Aldon huffed as he slowly balanced on the edge outside the window. Fully clothed and ready to jump onto the street, he glanced one last time to see the coast being clear for the moment. He didn't question the oddity, but instead used it to his advantage as he quickly scurried to a nearby alley, to plan out what he was going to do now that he was technically a fugitive. Of course he understood why he needed to be kept at the hospital, but he didn't agree with it and as such Aldon figured it would be alright for him to simply take a leave of absence. Redheart wouldn't be a happy camper to say the least. 

That's when guards marched by, horns glowing, searching for something or in his case, Aldon. He truly was a fugitive, and Nurse Redheart was the warden of the prison. Luckily, the ponies weren't too bright to search the alleyways and a dumpster provided perfect cover for the giant. 

Another group paraded by, searching with haste to find the loose animal from its cage. Aldon almost wanted to burn a path to the castle, but thinking about how cruel it would be put that idea aside. 

"You see anything?" A guard asked his compatriot besides him as he stared down the occupied alley. 

"No; just darkness." The other guard snickered. 

"What are you chicken? Get moving. All the other idiots might be too lazy, but personally, I don't trust that ape too kindly. He could be going to try to assassinate the princesses for all we know." The other guard looekd shocked, but in fact did begin walking down the alleyway, peering his head around every crevice and corner. 

Aldon shook his head at the ridiculous notion, but could agree on the idea of how all the other ponies are stupid, but sometimes ignorance can be so blissful. They rounded Aldon's hiding spot and as they saw the huge hulking beast, attempted to scream, until with ease, Aldon launched them opposite him and with a good solid hit they lost all consciousness. 

"Sorry, but I don't feel like using this power just yet." Aldon slowly clamped his fists shut. He could feel the power to destroy the world in his fingertips. 

Aldon considered their notion for a second longer as he maneuvered through the alleyway back to the street. It would be simple enough to kill them, but there was no reason to. Lamps gave eerie light to the empty streets. The guards were all converging on his destination. If they thought of him as an animal, maybe it wouldn't be so bad for him to act like one. 

He slowly jogged toward the castle, passing the immaculate and beautifully, yet arrogantly build structures of Canterlot. That was until he spotted the one spot that he could picture so well. The small cottage on the streets, all burned down and disheveled. The little building used to stand proud among the titans, but was defeated and destroyed. Hammerhoof no longer lived there for sure. It was a painful memory for him, and even Aldon could feel the past emanating from the structure. The slaughter and carnage protruding from the dead structure. 

He had mixed emotions of sadness, compassion, and anger. Not anger at himself, but anger at the world. To put a pony, or anything through so much pain and then to still have the structure that houses it in such shape. He turned his head to the castle, a neutral expression of conflicted emotions evident on the face. With the unstoppable force of a moving wall, the man marched towards the castle, ignoring everything around him, including the prying eyes from a nearby alleyway; the malicious smile that went along with it as well. 





"Darling, I thought you would have still been recovering," Rarity said in a state of mild shock. Aldon stood in the party hall as commotion died down and all attention rested on the most prized possession of the world in every respect. The only human; the only fire mage; the only true demon; the only true god. 

"Ah'm a little confused as well. Didn't ya' die?" Applejack asked with the same feelings as Rarity, meanwhile Pinkie was jumping in glee, hugging the human who could only direct his gaze at the approaching princesses, which he dwarfed in size; although the same could be said for every single pony. 

Although, what he noticed next was the approach of the pink alicorn as well. He had never formally met with her, although her opposite emotion compared to the regal sisters could tell him that she was the kindest out of the three, or technically it could be four. 

That's when guards began to clamour through the door and surround the man. They raised spears to the human. As Celestia and Luna approached they could feel the pure power radiating off of the monster in front of them. He was the pure definition of power. The bottomless pit of energy in the body. A vessel of unimaginable strength and pure destructive force. 

"Surrender Ape!" One of the guards yelled, gaining some gasps, but an unamused expression from the human. Celestia's brow blew a beat of sweat to the ground, and although none noticed it, she was slightly shaking.

"This is the human we fought alongside!" The crystal empress exclaimed, attempting to lighten the mood as she approached, followed by the recently retired captain of the guard and her husband. 

"Celestia," Aldon stated as the sun goddess slightly tensed on the words and looked to the guards nodding her head for them to lower their weapons. "Why would you keep me in the hospital without my consent." The two princesses looked to each other then back at the human, faking a smile, more so on Celestia's part. 

"Well, we just wanted to make sure you were fully rested and recovered before we revealed you to the world." Aldon was not convinced. "Please, try not to be angry with me and my sister. We just merely wanted you to be in good health." 

"Do you think of me as a threat?" Aldon asked slowly and punctually. Every single pony tensed on that question. 

"Of course not," Celestia slowly started to calm everyone, "I mean you are the savior of Ponyville." Truthfully Celestia was contemplating listening to the warning. The hostility radiating off of the man was uncanny. 

The atmosphere radiated intense fear, and negative emotion. Aldon slowly turned his frown into a smile. 

"You should have invited me to this!" He exclaimed looking to everyone, "party on to the new captain!" He shouted, gaining shouts of agreement as music sounded and dancing started. Luna gave a genuine smile while Celestia still held a deeper feeling of thought towards the human; the threat he posed was no small deal. 

The party guests began to bombard the man with questions, some personal and some just general. Even the Elements, more so Twilight bombarded him. 

'Where are you from?' 

'What's your name?' 

'Do you eat ponies?' 

'What are you?' 

'What's your status with the princesses?'

'Can you do magic?'

'Why are you so big?'

'Are you mean?' 

'What does death feel like?' 

The last one got Aldon as he looked to Twilight, who was genuinely curious. Aldon was probably the only being to be sent into the mindless void and see death; or his version of it. The technicality of it was that he was never truly dead. Although, he didn't need to say that. Having a little fun would be worth it. 

"Let's just say," Aldon began, gaining the lavender princesses' full attention, as well as his many sprawling fans, "it's something like feeling completely helpless as demons tear apart your body." The faces of every pony contorted in imaginary pain and cringed in agony. "They love the screams you make. And to top it off you get to watch it happen to every single thing around. Animals, people, ponies." Fluttershy fainted at the sound of animals and everyone slowly looked down with fear until Aldon gave a slight chuckle. 

"I'm just kidding!" He yelled gaining annoyed groan and an overhyped laugh from Pinkie. Although, Fluttershy's companions weren't happy campers to say the least. 

"You made Fluters faint!" Applejack screamed, while Rainbow Dash ran to the human's face threatening him with a knuckle sandwich for making Fluttershy faint. Aldon chuckled and lifted his hands in the air, gaining increased anger from Rainbow Dash as she continued to threaten the man. Aldon just couldn't help but laugh. 

"So you must be the human my wife hasn't stopped talking about," Shining Armor, clad in his armor walked to the human, who simply couldn't understand why gold. He put out his hoof to which Aldon accepted it to find increasing pressure and a fake smile on the ponies face. He was being tested again. 

"I can play this game too," and with that being said, ever so slowly the pressure from Aldon's end continued to increase and Shining armor's face slowly contorted into pain until he was practically on the ground crying. That's when the Alicron he had never met made her way to the man, giving a frown at the pony shaking his hoof around. 

"Why do you always do that?" She asked, exasperated with the constant game of 'manly stallion.' 

"I always gauge a stallion's strength." The alicorn giggled at the pony puffing his chest up, and while Aldon certainly could puff his, he'd rather not make the pony feel down about himself. 

The alicorn extended her hoof, "Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. You can Call Cadence though." Aldon smiled and accepted the hoof, until randomly the princess went into a hug. "Thank you," she slowly said in a whisper until Aldon's eyes slowly widened. He slowly came back to reality after accepting the gratitude and nodding his head with a smile. 

"It was no problem," modesty didn't exaclty work for him though as she shook her head. 

"No, really. You saved everypony's life in that town including mine, Auntie Celestia's and Auntie Luna's as well as my husband as well. If you ever need anything just let me know." Aldon nodded his head while Shining Armor gave a stare at the man, to which Aldon returned adding a flash of fire to his eyes slowly freaking out the pony as he backed away, but not with another second glare. 

They were nice ponies, but against all the questions, he wanted to see the man, well stallion of the hour. He looked around until he spotted the pony with a mare, laughing it up. Aldon was genuinely proud, but that didn't mean he couldn't have fun with it. 

Against all of the question prodding still going on, Aldon made his way over to the two, who drew their attention to the man. Hammerhoof acted first, getting up and moving in for a hug. 

"Brother," he said pulling in tight. The embrace released all negativity stored up in both of them. Two different species, but still brothers in the heart. 

The mare let out a low, 'Aww,' which got everyone doing it, until Aldon sighed and shook his head laughing. He slowly released the pony and smiled at him, "So, are you the lucky pony of the hour?" Aldon asked, suspecting the answer already.

Everyone leaned in, waiting in earnest for the answer, until Hammerhoof slowly nodded his head, smiling and yelling. "You found me out!" Everyone screamed in glee, while people came in to congratulate Hammerhoof, f course it wasn't all pure congratulations, but Hammerhoof knew he would have to get passed the arrogant nobles anyway. 

That cotninued on while Aldon began to converse with the two princesses, wihle he heard then obles whisper behind his back. 

'So disgusting.' 

'Looks like an ape.' 

'I think he is one.' 

'He should be in a cage.' 

'Look at how inconsiderate he is.' 

'Yeah, he should be grovelling at their hooves for letting him live.' 

Aldon slowly turned his head to the last pony, finding an arrogant pony, adorning a white coat and a golden mane, with the cutie mark of a purple and gold compass, chatting it up with pompous noblewomen with their heads turned on Aldon. He gave a death glare from one eye, which translated into the unicorn slowly pissing and running. 

"Guards, he's going to eat me!" He yelled, destroying the scene of the party. 

Celestia sighed, face-hoofing. "Everypony, please ignore my nephew!" Everyone looked to each other until the party continued on without a hitch, all the while the unicorn was surrounded by guards being escorted out. 

"I didn't know you had a nephew? Makes you look great," Aldon said sarcasstically gaining an annoyed expression from both princesses. 

"We brought him in due to rather sad circumstances, but truly he is lacking in the etiquette of royalty." 

"I can see that Celestia." Luna sighed as well to this. 

"We--I still don't know why you haven't told him to scram." Celestia slightly gasped. 

"Luna!" 

"What? I'm right." Aldon admired the sisterly argument. He could see the emotion in it, and made him wish he was back with his; so so much. Celestia noticed the pained expression in Aldon's eyes, tow which she commented. 

"Are you ok Sir Aldon?" Celestia  asked, while the man himself realized he had a tear dripping from his face. He nodded and wiped it off, returning with a beaming smile. 

"Just memories princess, just memories." Luna saddened at the thought, while Celestia nodded in understanding also saddened by the development until Pinkie Pie began the party cannon barrage, sending everyone into the dust of innumerable amounts of confetti and balloons. The rest of the party went without a hitch, and it was one of the most enjoyable times Aldon had, with Hammerhoof finally finding true love again; but sadly, not everything is rainbows and sunshine, no in fact more is darkness and deceit, anger and rage. 

	

	

	

	
> Chapter 22- What Happened? Celestia vs Human.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The air was putrid, smelling of blood and guts. Everything surrounding the man was death itself. The power of the demon was surfacing in him and he could feel the unending power flowing into him. The radiation of pure energy emitting from his body, blowing over quadrupedal corpses. Smiles long passed as the demon stood standing, eyeing down the desolate, destroyed environment around him, with only one quadruped staring at him in horror. She couldn't help but feel in awe and terror at the same time. 

What she was seeing was the reveal of a god, not a phony or a wanna-be, but a true, all powerful being. The four legged creature tried to scurry, but couldn't help but puke her remains out at the sight of her people dead on the ground. Then she saw the wicked smile on the demonized man's face; the immaculate and serrated teeth, the pores pulling in the blood of her own. 

She saw the red slits as eyes peer on her, and she couldn't help but wish death be upon her, because simply gazing into the eyes was a fate worse than it. The being was ever growing, encompassing a mighty 20 feet, growing dark muscle and black flames. Horns began to protrude from the beast's head, showing off the light show of black flames, which were unwavered by the wind. 

Hell had arrived on Equestria, and its name was Deum Exterminans. 





His lifeless body rested on the pillow as he surfaced from slumber. His breathing became more precise as his body resumed conscious control of the pattern. The heartbeat he held slowly increased to accompany an awoken man. 

Clops were heard entering the void of the room, with darkness surrounding every shadow and speck of the place. The room slowly began to heat up, and the air became boiling hot as Aldon made it clear that whoever was there should make it known who they are. 

"I am here to warn you," the creature said holding a feminine raspy voice. Aldon grunted. 

"That's what they all say. Tell me before I burn you to a crisp." Honestly Aldon was still trying to remember how he was in this particular bed and where this particular bed was. He was in no mood for riddles and games after he had just woken up. 

"The ponies will not like it when they find out. They will take their revenge. I hope you will be ready." Aldon hated riddles, but before he could lash out at the troll before the bridge, she was gone in a flash, leaving a slightly open door, a slightly confused man, and a slightly hot breeze. 

He sighed deeply and got out of bed in a fell swoop of a motion. His feet cracked the ground as a huge concrete slab busted against it. He looked down to glare at the new surface, only to grimace and cup his shoulders for their slight stiffness. He honestly couldn't care less about nice things. When growing up without them, having them and then losing them does nothing. 

Now he had another riddle to solve, and life was only getting more complicated. He had to find out what had happened last night as well. That would most likely involve speaking to hungover ponies as he could feel the intoxicating substance being burned off of him. He could never truly get drunk; it was both a curse and a blessing. 

Then he heard the groans. His blanket had huge lumps in it, plenty more than he thought was possible, and then he looked at the huge size of the bed and face palmed. 

"Of course," he whispered to himself, grunting in annoyance. "What the hell, was I drunk, or was I drugged? Or both?" He quizzed himself. He wouldn't be surprised given the fact of hostility he could feel from the white sun butt. She radiated arrogance and it made him angry to the core, but he suppressed it to keep her sister happy, a victim of circumstance and bad pasts. He couldn't imagine being isolated for one thousand years, but yet again, she couldn't understand the feeling of pure evil and demonic upbringings. They both were so similar and yet so different. Hammerhoof as well, having everything taken from him. 

Aldon thought he would always be alone, and never have people who would understand his pain, but it took a ragtag group of people and then ponies to make him see there will always be those who share a fate close to his. To watch their lives be broken apart and crudely put back together. 

"What has transpired?" The night-mare sounded her groan question for the room to hear. Her head emerged from the blanket, staring over the muscular giant of torn flesh and red tissue. One eye from the being was staring at her, glaring with intent ferocity, like a predator sizing down its prey, it bore into her soul and she felt exposed and deathly afraid, until he turned and revealed a kind smile. A smile hiding pain. 

"Aldon, I..." Before she could finish another groan sounded, one such groan from her sister. 

"What the faust happened last night?" The princess of the sun asked, emerging from the blankets as well, until she saw predatory eyes, which turned into dull and abysmal symbols of sight. "Sister! What is the meaning of this?" Celestia bellowed, until she saw her sister shrug her shoulders. 

"Sorry to burst your bubble princess," Aldon said with contempt, "but I don't think anyone knows what happened." 

"Ooo. I do!" The pink party pony sounded out as he head also emerged from the blanket. Many more groans sounded, including Aldon as he knew this would devolve into an interrogation session and very long talk from Celestia. 





"I honestly don't know!" Aldon felt sleep deprived with the interrogation. Celestia wasn't all too happy with the sleeping arrangements, from which he couldn't even begin to understand had occurred. 

"Shut up ape!" The guard spat, to which Aldon had enough. He decided to be nice enough to them and give them a chance, but every word that came out of their mouth was an insult. Luna had asked multiple times for them to cease their actions, but the guards insisted on talking to Aldon like an animal and criminal. 

Aldon looked over his chains and slowly laughed. The guards would most likely piss up an ocean, but he figured the maids would handle it. The chains slowly began to melt. Magically enchanted and enhanced high metal-grade chain melted. Chains that Celestia herself put effort into making evaporated into the air like water on a hot summer's day. 

"You'll be next," Aldon whispered darkly as the pony slowly began to clip clop back away from the table. Aldon slowly stood up and approached the pissing pony. Aldon was right, it was everywhere. "Now. Tell all your little buddy's what you saw here today." The pony put as much attention into this as he did a life sentence to jail. "And, whatever you do never call me anything like that again!" He shouted into the pony's face, which scrunched up in horror. The pony then began nodding affirmatively, pleading for his life. 

Aldon sighed as he crushed the door knob to the room and slammed the door to the other side of the hallway. "And clean up your piss, its really deplorable." 

Guards formed a blockade down the hallway, lining up in roman-style phalanx formation to block the man from moving anywhere else in the castle. Without warning, the guard ran from the room, tears streaming from his eyes. 

"Monster!" He screamed. "Everypony run! He'll burn you alive!" The guards morale depleted to say the least as they routed from formation at the sight of a commanding officer balling his eyes. Aldon pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance, but felt a tinge of satisfaction at the fear the ponies had of him. All of the ponies except for one. The diarch of the kingdom. 

"Seriously!" She fumed from down the hallway, pointing her hoof at the man. "We just needed answers!" 

"Hey! It's not my fault your guards don't understand the meaning of manners and respect!" Celestia screamed. 

"How did it happen!" She screamed the question. 

"I don't know!" Aldon screamed back. He was beginning to get more and more frustrated as the argument went on. He would know if he swung that way and he definitely didn't, yet he was pretty much being accused of rape of not only ponies, but royalty. 

"I'll force the answers out of you!" Aldon chuckled darkly at her words. 

"Try it and see what happens." The princess smiled at the challenge as her horn charged up. Aldon's palms slowly ignited in liquid flames, with his face also gaining a deeply satisfying smile. 

She launched her attacks in flurries, to which Aldon's flames met them. Explosions, plain and simple. 





Luna hated nobles so deeply it made her cry in pain every time she saw one of their snotty, arrogant, pompous faces. Her teeth seethed as the snotty pony continued to squabble over his petty needs, ignoring pleas of the masses. 

"Your majesty! Please, you need to understand, this would help to fund equestria's military greatly." An investor in the military. He was promoting the idea of increased taxes on the lower class. To help promote drafting against foreign threats, from which none currently loomed. The world ws in the most peaceful state it could be besides the human variable, which the minotaurs would not be so kind towards. 

Besides that, there was no need for drafting, no need to tax the lower class, and certainly no need to put up with petty, obnoxious nobles. Luna steamed at the pony and began her rant. 

"If it weren't for the fact my sister puts up with you loud mouths..." Then the castle shook and Luna knew exactly what was going on, but she had just one question: why? 





"Are you serious Prince Blueblood, did you seriously kill one of them before?" The small, golden unicorn asked. The hubris prince smiled with glee and intentious on lying, he put his story for all it wasn't worth. 

"That's right, right in the Everfree a few years ago." Blueblood began to act out his heroic deed of hunting down defenseless animals, dubbed savages. "They snarled, bore their teeth and were ready to strike, but with a trusty thrust of magic from my horn, I vanquished them to the hole in tartarus they came from." 

"Wow." The mare batted her eyes at the prince, infatuated with him, and all the meanwhile, the prince was the one saved by the humans present in that forest long ago. The small red haired girl and her family had saved the pony from timberwolves. Of course, to keep his pride, he said he had killed both parties, with his bare magic and hooves. "How strong were they?" 

Blueblood puffed his chest as much as it could go, which was not much, "they were all weaker than just one of my hooves. With one spell I sent them running away, back to the lands the abominations roam." 

"Is is true you sent the newly arrived one running for mommy?" The mare asked again, wondering if the rumor, started by the prince himself, was true. 

"It was so sad to see such a savage beast be so scared. I honestly felt sorry for it. But when it threatened the ponies of Equestria, I had to stop it." They rounded another corner in the castle to see the showdown. To say the least, the carpet would need a thorough cleaning. 







Flames slammed into the brilliant magic of the princess. Her horned sounded with the march of war, while the flames built up their heat like the sun churns out radiation. The epicenter would kill almost anything with a touch, and the surrounding area was slowly being vaporized to dust. Still, the both of them held a deep, satisfying smile. 

"I'll take that arrogant smile off your face Celestia." 

"Not if I take that savage glint in your eye, animal!" The playful banter was cut short as a blast was met in the back for Aldon. He turned around to see the arrogant prince, pissing and trying to produce adequate magic to vaporize his foe. 

"Auntie. I'll help you vanquish this beast." His confidence was nowhere near as high as his words as Aldon chuckled, and with a flick of his fingers, sent a material flame punch to knock out the brat. 

The mare squeaked in fear as she saw the prince keel, over, dramatizing his pain, as if he had just been slowly cut into little pieces and put back together. 

Celestia was genuinely mad now, seeing her nephew put down like that. She may not think of him as such, but he was still family. While Aldon turned around, an increased barrage of magic hit him square in the face, sending him sprawling back, slamming in to the wall. 

She adorned her armor now, which was more snug than she remembered. She was covered in platinum encrusted gold armor, which not only enhanced her magical power, but let her full radiance shine. 

"You should not have hurt our nephew Aldon." He smirked and slowly popped his joints as he emerged from the dust and rubble. Then he let the fire slither down like a retractable sword as it shined through the magically created dust cloud. 

"He'll be fine. But will you?" He asked, as his foot steps echoed through the hall like a hammer's swing on hard concrete. 

With genuine dragon qualities, his mouth opened to reveal a radiant and deadly blue flames emerging and heading straight for Celestia. Like a bullet it struck her shield construct and cracked it. As he approached, he let flames spew fourth from his mouth, and she could see the predatory eyes emerge again. He was genuinely enjoying the fighting now. Celestia couldn't deny that she was enjoying it either. She would never openly fight her sister, but she truly wished to face something of equal power to her. 

That's when he turned up the heat literally, as deeper red flames emerged. In turn, Celestia would just have to up-tune her magic. They were both increasing in power ever second, and the battle was getting more and more ferocious as time went on. 

From the protective bubble, magical strikes struck the human. However, like a second mouth, the body simply ate them, and reproduced flames to combat the oncoming onslaught. within a few more seconds, Aldon was on top of the bubble, and with a brute's unwavering strength, smashed the bubble, sending the magical shards flying. Celestia gasped as she saw the smirk, and before she could react, she was thrown through the open wall, busted by her attack on Aldon, into the public of Canterlot. 





Spike was being drawn on the course of her caretaker's friends once again. They were exploring Canterlot like they had first visited, although the ass-kissing for Twilight did not seem to help her all too much. After every encounter she sighed deeply, looking for a way to get them to stop approaching her, so she could simply hang out with her friends. Alas, it was impossible, as in the world of Equestria, princesses and royalty were what decided many things. 

"What's the matter darling?" Rarity asked, seemingly oblivious to the situation of Twilight. Twilight sighed, while Applejack face hoofed. 

"It's all a' these Nobles. All they do is harass Twilight." Rarity slowly nodded her head, while Rainbow Dash had a volcano erupt. 

"Next noble I see walk up to you Twilight, I'll pound into the ground." Rainbow Dash was rewarded with yet another noble walking over to Twilight. 

"Aaah, Princess Twilight, how do you do?" Rainbow Dash cracked a tooth as she began to run around in panic, gripping her mouth. Fluttershy was trying to calm her down, and give her proper treatment, but the mare continued to sprint around in a fit of intense pain. 

"Hello Mr..." 

"Mr. Arrogant," he responded, with a wide smile. Twilight inwardly sighed with an external smile. Just because she had wings and a horn. she was being bombarded by the kiss-asses of society. Many would wish for this, to be worshiped, but most don't know what it feels like. "I was just wishing if you could help..." And just like that a wall was opened into the castle, and dust formed to reveal a crumbled section of brick and lowly concrete-mixture. Royalty flexed off of the castle as some of its skin chipped away. Ponies, rich and poor gathered around, all taken back, and with mixed feelings, some afraid, some amazed. 

However, through the dust, they could see the distinct light of beautiful, brilliant, blue flames. The shadow of a giant dissipated into the dust cloud, as it rolled over the square the rubble not inherited. 

This is when Rainbow Dash had calmed down enough to witness the random explosion. Then chaos ensued. Some ponies ran, speaking of apocalypse, some of murder, some of a monster attack, while others were smart enough to be curious rather than blindly ignorant. Whispers occurred, until a slightly loud gasp sounded and a figure came flying through the dust. The figure was that of the princess, Celestia. 

She landed on her side, sliding along the pavement. She slightly wheezed, while ponies gasped in horror, and the Mane Six all ran over. 

"Princess!" Twilight screamed, coming in close to help the her. "What's happening?" Then they heard the concrete and brick crackle and pop from the movement of something unhuman. It was slowly getting louder, and the same figure from before could be seen, and through the veil, two blood red eyes viewed it all. 

	

	

	

	

	

	
> Chapter 23- Angelos is Revealed.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Ashened fields were laid out in front of the emerging giant. Three ponies stood against the ever-growing beast of carnage and destruction. Two stallions and one mare stood in the monster's path. They all stood as proudly as Celestia herself as they stared down the beast. One held the golden outline of the sun, with the beauty and angelical outline of a god above. The pegasus was a true marvel, and even Rainbow Dash would drop her jaw at his speed. He adorned a sky blue mane with his golden crust of a coat. His eyes burned purple with heavenly power.

The mare had deep crimson red fur and a beautiful, luscious nightly mane. She held a magnificent horn, to dwarf Luna's equivalent. Her body overflowed with darker magical prowess. She let her demonic energies be known as demons were summoned all around her. Her red eyes would pierce into the monster's soul, if it truly had one. 

Finally, the last Stallion stood as a giant. Armored in deep green scales, and sporting no mane, the giant stood as a testament to raw strength. His hooves were covered with claws, and his teeth were sharp and serrated to the touch. His eyes showed elegant, green fury. Every step he made, shook the ground. Together, they formed an unstoppable barrier. 

But what happens when an unstoppable force meets an unstoppable barrier? 





Blood-red eyes bore down onto the ponies from the veil of the dust cloud. Celestia was slightly chuckling however when Twilight looked at her in concern. 

"I haven't had a bout' like this since the gryphonic war." Twilight's jaw contorted into a mess, while her hair frazzled up in a flaming jumble. Celestia continued to laugh at her pupil. "Tis' fine Twilight. Nopony is hurt. Isn't that right Aldon?" She asked, fully expecting an adequate answer. While Twilight was trying to understand the situation, along with all of the rest of the ponies, Aldon simply let out a fire breath of beautiful blue, blazing flames. 

Luna  galloped up to Celestia's side, "Sister!" she said with concern on her tongue. 

Celestia dusted herself off as all of the ponies began to question Celestia, begging for answers and wishing for peace. She then got serious as she realized what was happening. 

"Luna, they were right." Luna tilted her head slightly, until she saw the demonic eyes plastered on the human. His appendages were slowly forming into a dark, heavy mist of bulging claws and chiselled muscular armor. 

"Is that?" Celestia slowly nodded her head to affirm to her sister. 

"Princess," Twilight practically yelled, gaining both of the princesses gazes, "what is going on!" 

"Twilight, you should stand back. All of the elements should in fact," Celestia turned to face them, with Fluttershy cowering behind the aggressive Rainbow Dash. Applejack was curious with the creature's strength, and Rarity was appalled with its appearance. Pinkie, if not being occupied with messing with other frightened ponies, would've tried to make friends with the demon baring its teeth at all of them. 

"Ah'm sorry to say princess," Applejack began, rather rudely, "but we will not stand back. That thing doesn't belong, and we will not let it stay." 

"Yeah, we've helped save Equestria plenty of times. What is a scary demon compared to the rest of them?" Rainbow Dash asked. 

"That thing isn't a demon necessarily," celestia began, but hesitated. 

"Princess, please, you can tell us." Celestia huffed. 

"We'll discuss this all later. For now, we need to stop it. After, I'll tell you everything about it." Luna, out of all the ponies was the one sad for it. She was in that position before. Turned into a monster. 



"Little Ponies. Is that what you call them, Ms. Celestia is it?" The body slowly jumped down to the ground, revealing all of its glory and all of its horror. 

Pale, pink skin was replaced by dark, bloody-fire imbued, demonic scales with luscious and horrific veins of beautiful black. The head took the same relative shape of a human's, except for the huge horn protruding from the top, completely destroying the relative scale of horns. Celestia was jealous to say the least. However, the scales came as close to the eyes, where gazers of a darker depth were inserted. 

His arms were elongated to match the ground with his huge and armored legs. Claws asserted their vicious length, making it known that steel would have no chance against them. The chest was the most pronounce feature though. It held a demonic and holy fixation, with the world of elements surrounding it. Then in the center of the entire symbol was what looked like a lock and key. The slot looked unique and most likely, with the right key, it could be unlocked. 

"Who are you!" Luna demanded, stepping in front of all of the ponies, asserting her position of protector. Her sister was both impressed and loving of her sister at that point. 

"I know you've heard of me," the demon said stoutly. He was right in that too. His dark, demonic, raspy and ancient voice didn't lie. All of the ponies were confused by this. Until they heard its next words, words and names they all knew so well. "Lord Tirek. King Sombra. Queen Chrysalis. Princess Celestia. Princess Luna. Princess Cadence. Princess Twilight. Nightmare Moon." They were all so confused, but anxious on the spot. Nervous for the creature's intentions and its power. It was no lie that it radiated similar to Luna's and Celestia's. 

Images of all of their faces spewed up in flames. High above they stood on pedestals, which plastered "Gods." 

"Kings and Gods. Beings of immense power. But what does power really mean?" His rhetoric was beginning to get on Rainbow Dash's nerves. 

"Get to the point bub!" she shouted at the creature. 

"Yes!" Another voice, high above the rooftops called out. This voice was a benevolent voice to dwarf the Canterlot Voice. "Beast, you do not belong here!" The pony yelled. Its features of a golden coat, and regal eyes were revealed. It held a strong pair of wings, belittling all wings of pegasi. 

Mares drooled over the sight of the stallion. It was huge, strong and fear inducing, which made them clamour for it more. However, god's all take disguises. His true form would be revealed soon enough. Even Celestia, and Luna had to keep blushes from their faces. Perfectino was at the door for ponies, yet the creature could only stare into the new arrival's face. 

Without warning, the pony zoomed past every single pony, making Rainbow Dash twitch at his speed. 

"King of Light and Speed, Angelos, at your service," he said, bowing to the two princesses, who with being closer and able to audibly hear the voice's signature, recognized it as one of the three they talked to. They had no idea however it was a pony. Rainbow Dash, meanwhile wished to challenge the newcomer so badly. Twilight was eager to ask questions, Rarity wanted to tailor clothes, Applejack simply compared him to her brother mentally, Fluttershy cowered behind her honest friend, and Pinkie wished to make a new friend. 

The pony slowly turned around to see the creature and inwardly smiled. His opportunity to remove the only challenger in the gods' lives was right in front of him. 

"You wish to fight again?" The demon asked. The pony shook his head. 

"I only wish to protect the inhabitants of this world from your scourge." Truly, it was the other way around, but the demon could only wickedly smile as he popped his ever-densifying knuckles. 

"I will teach you your place then," the demon said, completely ignoring the voice inside of his head. 








"I never said you could do this!" The human voice shouted, demanding answers from the entity in control of his body. Answers, that would come in the form of hate, anger, neglect, and betrayal. The story would be revealed in full volume soon enough. 

	
> Chapter 24- Who is to say that evil is evil? 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"You three will not stand anymore!" The demon shouted as he could feel his stomach slowly churn. He was quickly dying and disliked the scenario. "You preach about your little fancies of peace and prosperity, but all you want is more power!"

The three continued to gain more leverage on the beast over the burned fields of an apple harvest. "You want me gone so you can collect it all. Everything I have is all you want. To rule with absolute authority and divine power. I made a mistake granting you all a place above other mortals. That, I will rectify shortly."  

The golden pegasus laughed maniacally, with the beating heart of the demon clutched in his hooves. "You're done. These ponies think of us as protectors, and as long as it needs to be, we will look as such. You on the other hand, well just look at you; you're a deformed monster." 

The darkly coated mare walked up beside her brother in arms. She took the heart and with a devious smile began to crush it in her magical power. Her horn barely lit up before the monster, who dwarfed almost everything on the world they inhabited, was coughing up black blood. Its eyes turned from deep red to a light pink as his life was being drained. Everything had a weakness, and his was literally the heart he holds, or what his hunters held. 

"The world will be rid of the scourge of Deum Exterminans. It's too bad I couldn't have a little more fun with that human before you are gone," she mentioned with a carelessness. Within a few seconds a crushed heart, losing its lively beat, was on the ground, while the monster was fading away. The heroes had vanquished the monster. 





"So, you ask us for what exactly?" The quadruped in dark lighting, attaining a feminine raspy voice, asked slightly timidly. 

"You will move all of them to Canterlot." The second female voice rang with authority standing in the way of the wind. "Don't spare a single minion in the attempt." The mare crashed and boomed her hoof on the table one last time, "and if you try to sneak by me, I'll find you!" 

"Every single one!" The other quadruped objected, "are you crazy? There will be nothing left of them if they're wiped out. Nothing left of me and my species!" 

The darkly coated Unicorn entered the light, with malicious eyes containing merciless daggers. "Do you think I care?" She asked as the other quadruped stared wide-eyed at the mysterious mare. The shocked stare lasted fro a few more seconds until it pestered the pony's nerves. "Now!" She screamed, howling her authority over the other occupant of the room. The other scampered away, changing her usual authoritative attitude into submissive in a split second. 





"I'll take the grin right off your face." Aldon's body flexed its power, but Angelos' created body also flexed equal power. The two were seemingly even matched as the new arriving pony pushed with godly power. Celestia and Luna were impressed but were surprised to see that Equestrian shattering magic had not been thrown yet. 

The citizens of Canterlot clamored for Angelos to vanquish the beast. The monster who would pillage and rape, or perhaps destroy and send them all to oblivion; they wanted the monster, who by all accounts was the seen as one to literally go to Tartarus where he belonged. 

"Please, don't kill them!" Aldon screamed into his own mind. He screamed into the void he was stuck in to gain the demon's attention. Deum was currently debating actually wiping out the ponies where they stood. They were an annoyance, to say the least. 

"Why do you care?" The demon asked this expecting no response in return. Aldon crunched his fist together and gave a small smile. 

"I've found a home here. It may not be all good and sunshine as it may look, but I'd rather have a trashed home than no home at all." His hopeful voice gave hums to the god-destroyer. 

"It's funny. I used to have a home as well human. I guess I shall spare them." Aldon lit up at the act of mercy, but truthfully, the god was sad. He wasn't always called Deum Exterminans- The Exterminator of Gods. He used to be called the bringer of light, the creator of happiness, the god who brought peace to the world, but then he made a crucial mistake. He gave power to those who didn't deserve it. 

He did become a monster; he knew it, but he wasn't a monster because of the killing, slaughtering, or any other decision he's made, but just that one: giving power to those who clearly never deserved it. It was his sin, and his price was his home, his status, his everything. It was one of the reasons why he had to chose a hiding spot; as much as anyone would figure he wouldn't be scared, he was deathly afraid of true death. 

There were two deaths for gods: physical death, and then existential death. 

"Human." The god's face appeared in the void, showing itself to Aldon's form. 

"Yes?" Aldon asked, still grateful, but calmer than before. 

"You deserve to know." Aldon's face looked quizzical. "Why I'm here. Why you're facing this. You deserve to know the truth." Aldon was confused at where this was coming from, but within seconds, his world changed and he saw the beautiful serenity of his world, before war and death. There was a large being, draped in holy robes, light emanating from every spec and then there were hundreds of humans gathered. 

"This was where my mistake began."  Aldon slightly winced at the voice jumping out of nowhere but continued to listen. "I chose them all. I gave mortals powers. I gave them magic, and some the power of immortality and infinite authority. I had hoped they would use it properly. To bring peace and be protectors of prosperity."  The humans accepted the gifts, and then Aldon saw different creatures beginning to accept the gift as well. Lizards, fish, the occasional hawk, the mighty dragon, they all accepted the gift with open arms. Hundreds of gods were appointed. 

The images accelerated, with prosperity reigning supreme. Everything was working. 

"They listened and they followed my instructions. But they only did so to gain my trust and to garner more power. Their hearts weren't pure, but they had masked it all without my knowing." Fake smiles appeared on their faces as the holy figure laughed at jokes, smiled at progress, and applauded for the work his gods did. It was all a show. 

"My sin, was that I let it happen. I didn't try to stop it until there was no way to stop it." The images flash forwarded to battle scenes. The holy being was beaten, bruised and barely breathing. He held hands up to the gods facing him down. He was belittled; the landscape was full of death and destruction, with hundreds of the world's inhabitants dead. It was all his fault. The god known as Cosmos was gone, replaced by the newly dubbed God-exterminator. A creator of chaos and the king of evil. 

He was attacked mercilessly, to the point of barely breathing. His hands fidgeted, but it was just a sign of true exhaustion. He was surrounded by his children. They had become a family to him by that point, but it was all just a facade. His body was deformed and black, scars and black skin covered everything. He was no god at that point. 

The gods laughed at their 'father'. They never intended to be protectors of peace, they always wanted power. They wanted to rule with iron fists. They had inherited the arrogance of immortal beings; they were superior and everything and everyone were to bow down to them. Cosmosis was the only one who would stop them, so they would simply make him disappear. 

"I'm truly sorry." Magical attacks lined up and as the last of his existence came about, he disappeared. Aldon saw himself next. It was a baby, being born into the family of three. A son, to which was both beautiful and strong. He was the closest by, and without knowing his body was taken as a vessel. The baby still held itself, but it served as a hiding place. 

"I used your body as a recovery location. I gave you power to enhance you as a vessel."  Then the images stopped. "They declared me as what I am now. A monster of evil, and a scourge to the world. They were revealed as true gods and powerful heroes to be worshiped. I was no longer viewed as such. I was no longer able to stop them. So I sat in your body and festered. My rage grew and anger heightened until I was the monster everyone feared and hated. It's funny, in the end, I will have become what I hate, just to defeat my enemies. The only way to atone for my sin was to become it."  Aldon listened with sympathy. 

"The only reason I chose you was because of your latent power and vicinity." 

"What?" He asked, slightly seething in anger at that. 

"You heard me, you were the closest and most viable option for a vessel. I am truly sorry for the life you've had to go through." The demon's callous attitude only made Aldon angrier. The way he shoved off Aldon's suffering as a game, a match to watch in the stands. He talks about suffering, but he doesn't know. 

"Shut up," Aldon faintly said as he tried to contain his anger as to not release it on everyone around his physical body. 

"I know you may be angry with me, but that gives you no right to disrespect..."

"I said shut up!" Aldon's eyes tinted red at this point as his teeth started releasing blood from the pressure exerted by the grinding. "I...need time to process this," he said, trying to calm his elevating state of rage. The fallen god didn't dare to speak a word. It's true Aldon was the closest by for his vessel, but it was no lie of the man's inept power and rage. Even without help, he would still have the power to kill a god entirely. 

"Please understand, it is my mistake and I apologize for everything that's happened to you, but these gods, they won't stop until you're dead too. And they'll toy with you until you enact death upon yourself. You've held me for years, and with that, they suspect you're part of my existence. They do this because of lust to eliminate me. I ask you, as a god addressing an equal, please help me stop them." Aldon's fists clenched in fiery anger as the void seemingly heated up despite its characteristics of, well, a void. 





Angelos' form laughed as they battled. Then he saw it. The eyes were no longer the gods. The demon has left control to the mortal. 

"Fatal mistake Exterminator." He continued to push the demon back, having tiles crack under the pressure until he stopped and couldn't budge the monster. He was confused until he saw the eyes, they were bleeding, fire expelling from them and the temperatures slowly skyrocketed. Flames began to encompass the demon, and the magical pressure began to increase, making the princesses kneel down in agony almost.  

"You did it all!" The metallic voice of the demon screamed. The princesses knew the feeling of the voice, though, it was Aldon, and he was no longer the happy man they could rely on. The demon gave a lightning quick swipe of the tail at Angelos sending him flying into a nearby building. The pony coughed up blood and slowly got to his feet wide-eyed. The power itself was taxing on him and he struggled to stay up. Then the demon, the man, slowly began approaching again. His steps echoed in the distance as earthwuakes and thunder. "You took it all! I lost everything!" He continued to howl in his metallic voice. 

The ponies were hurting and confused by the words. Angelos knew it was the man now, but the power just didn't match. He still had to laugh as blood dripped from his mouth. 

"You were only a pawn, a pawn in our game of chess mortal. You held the king, so we had to force him out of you, we never knew how resilient you were, though. A true testament to your..." then the demon began clutching the pony's throat in his demonic claws, sucking the life out of the pony through crushing force. 

The demon's eyes slowly vectored into the squirming god's equivalent lenses, giving them a true piece of its suffering. The man's life was laid out in two oscillating and deathly objects. All of the ponies seemingly gasped as the demon was about to blast his final attack into the pony, indicated by the red creeping up his neck. 

Then specks of darkness crept into position over the area and all eyes gazed up at the sky, Celestia and Luna going wide eyed at what was coming...again.